The rapid global spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic microorganisms poses a serious challenge to both human and animal health, underscoring the urgent need for new strategies to combat resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), key components of the innate immune system, are promising candidates because they disrupt the membranes of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, thereby reducing the risk of resistance development. Lactoferrin (LF), a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundant in mammalian milk, is a rich source of AMPs. Cationic peptide fragments such as lactoferricin and lactoferrampin exhibit more potent direct antimicrobial activity than the intact protein. Our previous studies have shown that peptides derived from Equine milk lactoferrin exhibit antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oncogenic activity in silico, highlighting their multifunctional bioactive potential. Building on these results, the present study aims to investigate the antimicrobial properties of these peptides. We used an integrated approach combining computer modeling and in vitro studies to identify and validate novel antimicrobial peptides from equine milk lactoferrin. Bioinformatics tools, including AMPScanner and CAMP, were used to predict antimicrobial domains, followed by experimental testing against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that equine milk lactoferrin peptides possess potent and selective antimicrobial activity, with efficacy varying across bacterial species. These data expand the functional profile of lactoferrin-derived peptides, demonstrating their multifunctionality, and suggest that equine milk lactoferrin represents a promising natural source of antimicrobial agents, supporting alternative strategies to reduce antibiotic use in human and veterinary medicine.

Obesity is a widespread chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to increased health risks and subsequent development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. According to the World Obesity Federation (WOF), the prevalence of obese individuals in the world will increase to 1 billion adults by 2030. The WOF includes Kazakhstan as a high-risk country for obesity. In 2030 obesity in Kazakhstan is predicted to reach 25.7% in men, 29% in women, and 9.5% in children aged 5-19. The National Center for Public Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan has reported a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly among children. According to the results of epidemiological monitoring, the rate of obesity among boys was notably higher than that among girls. Specifically, 23.6% of boys were classified as overweight, including obesity, compared to 17.6% of girls. Additionally, 8.7% of boys were classified as obese, compared to 4.6% of girls [1,2]. Recent studies highlight the role of immune cell function in obesity-related inflammation providing a potential new target for treating obesity-linked inflammatory diseases. This review article discusses the role of immune cells in regulating obesity-related diseases, including diabetes.

This study explores how high-fat diets and circadian rhythm disruptions drive obesity and immune dysfunction, shaping next-generation preventive health strategies.