LACTOFERRIN MODULATES INCREASED LIVER DNA DAMAGE BY REDUCING SERUM CYTOKINE, HEPCIDIN AND IRON LEVELS IN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED ENDOTOXEMIA IN RATS

Abstract

Endotoxemia, known as the presence of Gram (-) bacterial endotoxin in the circulation, is associated with high mortality. Here, it was aimed to investigate the effects of lactoferrin on inflammation and iron homeostasis and cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced experimental endotoxemia in rats. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels, which are important cytokines, and iron and hepcidin levels, which play a role in iron homeostasis, DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels were evaluated in endotoxemia model. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method is a technique based on antigen-antibody complex and using enzymes as marking. Serum TNF-α, IFN-γ and hepcidin levels and the liver 8-OHdG levels were measured by ELISA methods, serum iron levels were determined using iron assay kit. The results indicated that increased serum TNF, hepcidin and iron levels decreased at 1^st, 3^rd and 6^th hours after LPS injection with lactoferrin supplementation, and increased IFN-γ level at 3^rd and 6^th hours returned to normal range. 8-OHdG increased immediately after LPS injection and this damage returned to normal within 6 hours by lactoferrin. The findings of the study revealed that lactoferrin might be beneficial in the prognosis and treatment of endotoxemia.