Lactoferrin
A pure lactoferrin polypeptide containing no more than two metal ions per molecule, or a mixture of the polypeptide and a fragment thereof. The polypeptide or the mixture stimulates skeletal growth and inhibits bone resorption. Also disclosed is a method of treating a bone-related disorder with the polypeptide or the mixture.
1. A method of treating osteoporosis, the method comprising administration of a composition consisting essentially of at least 65% lactoferrin polypeptide by dry weight, as the active agent, to a subject in need thereof, wherein the lactoferrin in the composition contains no more than two metal ions per molecule of lactoferrin polypeptide.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide is apo-lactoferrin.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide contains one metal ion per molecule.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide contains iron, copper, chromium, cobalt, manganese, zinc, or magnesium ion.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide contains an iron ion.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide contains two metal ions per molecule.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide contains iron, copper, chromium, cobalt, manganese, zinc, or magnesium ions.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide contains iron ions.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide is human.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide is recombinant.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide is at least 75% pure.
12. The method of claim 7 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide is at least 85% pure.
13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the lactoferrin polypeptide is at least 95% pure.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a nutraceutical composition.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition.
16. The method of claim 1 , further comprising co-administration of an additional bone enhancing agent.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein said bone enhancing agent is selected from calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K2.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of at least 65% lactoferrin polypeptide by dry weight, as the active agent, further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.