The Effect of Lactoferrin on Cytosolic Antioxidant Enzymes, Glucose Uptake, and Wound Healing in Caco-2 Cells

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the dose-dependent effects of lactoferrin (LF) on glucose uptake, wound healing, and antioxidant enzyme activities in human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2). Materials and Methods: Caco-2 cells were treated with LF (0-250 mu g/mL, 1:2 dilution), and its effects on cell viability using the MTT assay, glucose uptake using the 2-NBDG assay, wound healing using the scratch assay, and antioxidant enzyme activities by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were evaluated. Results: Lactoferrin showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, with IC50 values of 249.7 mu g/mL (24h) and 74.91 mu g/mL (48h). Glucose uptake was inhibited by 14% and 8% at 62.5 mu g/mL and 125 mu g/mL LF, respectively (p < 0.001). Lactoferrin significantly accelerated wound healing, achieving 90% closure at 72 hours, with 62.5 mu g/mL being the most effective dose. Antioxidant enzyme activity increased significantly, with SOD (155%), GPx (85%), and GST (53%) reaching peak levels at 125 mu g/mL LF (p < 0.001). Discussion: In conclusion, LF reduced glucose uptake, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and accelerated wound healing in Caco-2 cells. These findings suggest that lactoferrin may have potential therapeutic applications in conditions related to oxidative stress, impaired glucose metabolism, and delayed wound healing, such as diabetes and chronic wounds. Further in vivo and human studies are needed to explore its clinical relevance