Immunomodulatory Effect of Lactoferrin on Mucosal Immunity of Uterus in Pregnant Rat

Immunity stabilization in early pregnancy is one of the most reasons for the establishment of gestation. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein which proved to has a positive effect on immunity including broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and intonation of inflammatory as well as humoral and cellular immune responses. So, this study aimed to examine some immune parameters, cells and cytokines during early Pregnancy. Twenty-four mature female and six male rats for mating were subjected to this investigation. They were grouped into two groups, the control and lactoferrin group treated daily with Lactoferrin with a dose of 50µgm/kg body weight orally starting from one week before and persisted for one week after mating. Blood samples were collected from each female rat at 5hrs, 1day,3days, and 7 days after mating for hematological and biochemical assay Extracted RNA was subjected to real-time PCR to determine mRNA levels for immune- related genes interleukin1A(IL1A) and interleukin 10(IL10). Histopathological examination was done on the uterus. Results showed a significant increase in white blood cell count, mainly neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil, mainly at 5hrs and 7-days of the lactoferrin group. Similarly, C- reactive protein and progesterone in the lactoferrin group at 3 and 7 days were significantly increased. Also, significant increases in the levels of interleukin 1 A at all experimental periods were noticed, while interleukin 10 was increased at 1day and 3 days after mating in the Lactoferrin treated group. TNF increased significantly at 5hrs, 1days, and 7 days. In contrast, estrogen decreased significantly at 5hrs and 1 day while Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) decreased at 5hrs and 3 days and 7 days of Lactoferrin treated group. Moreover, histopathological examination revealed high leukocytic infiltration, especially neutrophil and eosinophil, at 5hrs hours after mating in the Lactoferrin treated group. This research demonstrated that using Lactoferrin during Pregnancy has a good impact on some immune cytokines and parameters that may improve immune status during early pregnancy.