Metabolic effects of lactoferrin during energy restriction and weight regain in diet-induced obese mice

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein exerting several physiological functions such as antimicrobial activity, modulatory effects on lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory properties. We examined whether LF prevents diet-induced obesity and development of fatty liver formation in C57Bl/6J mice. Lactoferrin (15% of dietary casein replaced by LF) enhanced weight loss and decreased body fat content during energy restriction compared to casein without influencing energy intake. During the ad libitum feeding after weight loss, LF suppressed weight regain and protected against the development of fatty liver formation compared to casein without influencing energy intake or fecal fat excretion. During the weight regain phase LF also improved glucose tolerance, decreased skeletal muscle leptin mRNA expression, and ameliorated adipose tissue inflammation. In conclusion, LF supplementation enhances the outcome of weight loss and subsequent weight regain, ameliorates fatty liver formation, and exerts beneficial effects on glucose tolerance and adipocyte tissue inflammation without interfering energy intake.

► The effects of lactoferrin supplementation in experimental obesity are examined.
► Lactoferrin enhances weight loss and decreases body fat compared to casein.
► Lactoferrin inhibits weight regain and development of fatty liver formation.
► Lactoferrin also improves glucose tolerance and ameliorated adipose tissue inflammation.
► The anti-obesity effects of lactoferrin are independent of energy intake.