Lactoferrin Promotes the Autophagy Activity During Osteoblast Formation via BCL2-Beclin1 Signaling

Lactoferrin, as the main component of milk, can maintain osteoblast formation, which is conducive to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Lactoferrin also serves as an autophagy regulator, especially in osteoblasts. This study aimed to explore the significance of autophagy in osteoblast formation regulated by Lactoferrin and the internal mechanism. Our results showed that Lactoferrin enhanced the autophagy activity of primary osteoblasts. Importantly, Lactoferrin inhibited BCL2 expression and the co-immunoprecipitation of BCL2 and Beclin1 in osteoblasts. Moreover, Lactoferrin-promoted autophagy was reversed by BCL2 overexpression or Beclin1 inhibition with spautin-1 in osteoblasts. In conclusion, Lactoferrin can inhibit BCL2 expression in osteoblasts, further enhancing Beclin1-dependent autophagy activation.