New study Breast milk milk proteins are effective against cancer and infections

Previously unknown protein function discovered: With breast milk ingredient against cancer

Breastmilk is more than just food: a few years ago, British researchers discovered that the protein lactoferrin from breast milk can help fight antibiotic-resistant germs. And now Austrian scientists have discovered another previously unknown function of this protein.

Breastmilk is the best food for babies

Breastfeeding is considered to be the best nutrition for a baby, because in breast milk are in optimal composition all the nutrients that the child needs in the first few months of life. Breastfeeding may also protect against allergies, have a positive effect on the development of the child's immune system and reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. There is also a component in breast milk that could help to treat the most serious illnesses, as scientists from Austria have now discovered.

Researchers have discovered that a particular protein found mainly in breast milk could help treat bacterial infections and cancer. (Image: juan_aunion / fotolia.com)

With natural milk protein against cancer and infections

Austrian researchers have discovered a previously unknown function of the protein lactoferrin, which is mainly present in breast milk.

As the scientists of the Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology of the Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology of the MedUni Vienna under the direction of Hannes Stockinger stated, lactoferrin inhibits certain processes in the dissolution of blood clots and during cell migration (migration).

"This discovery could be useful for the development of new therapeutics for cancer, but also for the treatment of certain bacterial infections," Stockinger said.

The study results were recently published in the journal "Journal of Biological Chemistry".

One of the most important enzymes in the human body

The background: The enzyme plasminogen is one of the most important enzymes in the human body, which is involved in the degradation of proteins.

It is crucial for the dissolution of blood clots, but also involved in a variety of other physiological processes, such as the development of tissues and organs, the immune response or wound healing.

To fulfill its role, the inactive form of the plasminogen molecule must be brought into the active form "plasmin". If this process is disturbed, it can lead to many pathological processes in the body, says study leader Vladimir Leksa from MedUni Vienna.

"Malignant tumor cells or some virulent bacterial species, such as Borrelia, bind and activate human plasminogen to penetrate tissue barriers. Accordingly, the plasminogen system is a favorable target for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer and inflammatory diseases. "

Prevent bacterial penetration

The new study, published in collaboration with the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, now clearly shows that the human milk protein lactoferrin blocks plasminogen activation by binding directly to human plasminogen.

This can both block a tumor cell invasion, and prevent the ingress of bacteria such as Borrelia. The main source of human lactoferrin is human (mother) milk, but it is also found in serum, tears, saliva or urine.

"Our results not only contribute to the understanding of many of the antimicrobial, antitumoral and immunomodulatory activities attributed to lactoferrin, but also suggest that lactoferrin may be a natural therapeutic tool
Interventions may be useful to prevent both invasive malignant cells and virulent bacteria from entering hosts, "summarizes Stockinger. (Ad)