Lactoferrin has been shown to ameliorate obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction and PVAT whitening by inhibiting Tak1-dependent interleukin-18 (IL-18) secretion from perivascular adipocytes, thereby relieving IL-18–mediated suppression of NO production and restoring endothelial function [74]. Here, IL18 is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.