Recombinant Human Lactoferrin Augments Epirubicin Chemotherapy in Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma Bearing Mice

Background: Lactoferrin (LF) is a member of the transferrin family, which is known for its immunomodulatory properties. LF has been widely used as an anticancer medication in various cancers including breast cancer. Aims: The current study aimed to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF), either alone or combined with epirubicin (EPI), in mice bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC). Methods: SEC-bearing female mice (n=40) were divided into 4 equal groups. Mice were given rhLF orally (100mg/kg/mouse) daily and/or EPI i.p (8mg/kg/mouse). The experiment lasted 14 days, after which samples were collected to measure IL-18 and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) by ELISA and p⁵³gene expression by real-time PCR. Results: Administration of rhLF, either alone or combined with EPI, markedly decreased the tumor volume and increased tumor inhibition rate as well as survival rate compared to either tumor control group or EPI-mono treated group. In addition, co-administration of rhLF and EPI increased the level of activated JNKs and expression of p⁵³in tumor tissues compared to the tumor, control group, exhibiting their pro-apoptotic properties. Moreover, the combined treatment with rhLF and EPI elevated IL-18 level in the intestinal mucosa compared to other experimental groups with a possible immune-enhancing effect. Conclusion: Recombinant human lactoferrin exhibited potential anticancer and immune-enhancing properties in mice with breast cancer. Co-treatment with rhLF and EPI proved to be a promising strategy in cancer treatment.