Inhibition of HBV infection by bovine lactoferrin and iron-, zinc-saturated lactoferrin.

In this study, we investigated the effect of bovine lactoferrin (BLf), lactoferrin hydrolysate, or iron-, zinc-saturated lactoferrin on hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected HepG2 cells. Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) was used to quantify HBV-DNA copies. BLf, iron- or zinc-saturated lactoferrin significantly inhibited the amplification of HBV-DNA in a dose-dependent manner in HBV-infected HepG2 cells. However, the inhibitive effect of lactoferrin hydrolysate on HBV-DNA copies was insignificant. These findings suggest that BLf inhibits the function of HBV by integrated structure. In conclusion, BLf, iron- or zinc-saturated BLf is one of the candidates for anti-HBV reagents in treatment of patients with hepatitis.