Effect of whey protein isolate on intracellular glutathione and oxidant-induced cell death in human prostate epithelial cells

Propolis Protects GC-1spg Spermatogonial Cells against Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Oxidative Damage

Propolis is a natural resin produced by honeybees with plenty of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress disrupts germ cell development and sperm function, with demonstrated harmful effects on male reproduction. Several natural antioxidants have been shown to reduce oxidative damage and increase sperm fertility potential; however, little is known about the effects of propolis. This work evaluated the role of propolis in protecting spermatogonial cells from oxidative damage. Propolis' phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential were determined, and mouse GC-1spg spermatogonial cells were treated with 0.1-500 µg/mL propolis (12-48 h) in the presence or absence of an oxidant stimulus (tert-butyl hydroperoxide, TBHP, 0.005-3.6 µg/mL, 12 h). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assays and proliferation by Ki-67 immunocytochemistry. Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant defenses were evaluated colorimetrically. Propolis presented high phenolic and flavonoid content and moderate antioxidant activity, increasing the viability of GC-1spg cells and counteracting TBHP's effects on viability and proliferation. Additionally, propolis reduced ROS levels in GC-1spg, regardless of the presence of TBHP. Propolis decreased caspase-3 and increased glutathione peroxidase activity in TBHP-treated GC-1spg cells. The present study shows the protective action of propolis against oxidative damage in spermatogonia, opening the possibility of exploiting its benefits to male fertility.

Blending Ethnomedicine with Modern Technology-From Conventional to Tailored Products: Modulating Biopharmaceutical Properties of Berberis Extract by Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Wound Healing

Drug-delivery systems employing phytopharmaceuticals based on the leads in traditional knowledge offers not only an alternative but quicker and more economic strategy for drug development. Nanophytopharmaceuticals promise remarkable opportunities with the ability to overcome challenges associated with herbal medicines, such as low solubility and bioavailability, poor target specificity, and shelf life. Berberis extracts documented as Ropana (wound healer) in Sushruta Samhita are a popular traditional remedy that is amiss in the modern system of medicine as it exhibits very poor biopharmaceutical properties. Poor solubility and bioavailability necessitate the administration of high doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Exploiting the diversified type of compounds with pleiotropic properties present in Berberis, the biopharmaceutical properties were engineered using an optimized freeze-dried extract and developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as an effective drug-delivery system. An industrially viable and environment-friendly hot high-pressure homogenization technique led to a stable formulation with an average particle size of 178.4 nm, as well as a 7-fold increase in loading and a significant entrapment of 91 ± 1.25%. The pharmacodynamic studies of developed nanosystems in excision-wound models showed faster and complete healing of wounds with no scars.

The effectiveness of whey proteins in prevention and treatment of cancer: a review

Cancer prevalence is rising rapidly around the globe, contributing immensely to the burden on health systems, hence the search for more effective and selective treatments still remains enticing. Whey, as a natural source, has received extensive focus in recent years because of its intriguing applications to health benefits. Growing consumer appreciation of the nutraceutical effects of whey components makes them an attractive field within cancer research. Whey is a valuable source of superior-quality proteins, lactose, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to proper nutrition as well as help hamper illness and even complement certain disease-related therapy prognosis. As a result, industry leaders and dairy producers are devising new ways to valorize it. Great emphasis on cancer prevention and treatment has been given to whey protein (WP) by the scientific community. WP intake has been proven to induce anti-cancer effects in various in vitro and in vivo studies. Nutritionists and dietitians are now enormously endorsing the role of WP in the therapeutic field, notably for cancer cachexia management. However, human intervention studies with WP are in their infancy and remain to be established with different tumor entities to provide valid proof of its ability to act as a coadjuvant in cancer treatment.

Comparative Study on the Exacerbating Effects of Casein-Rich vs. Gluten-Rich Diets on Biochemical-Induced Features in Rodent Model of Autism

In relation to dietary intervention in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), certain food constituents especially gluten and casein are recognized to be challenging and should be restricted. In this study, levels of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione, lipid peroxides, serotonin (5-HT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), glutamate, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured in the brain homogenates of ASD rodent model. Rats were treated either with single dose clindamycin (30 mg/kg) or with propionic acid (PPA) (250 mg/kg) for 3 days and then fed a standard diet, casein-rich diet (CRD), or gluten-rich diet (GRD). The obtained data demonstrates that clindamycin and PPA induced oxidative stress, which was slightly affected by CRD. A marked increase in the proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6) concentration found in clindamycin- and PPA-treated groups was lower in CRD fed rats. Both CRDs and GRDs produced similar trends in glutamate levels. 5-HT levels were higher in the clindamycin- and PPA-treated groups and increased with a GRD but were less affected by a CRD. CRD could be less deleterious compared to GRD. Although the underlying cause of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with ASD is not exactly known, the most widely accepted one is the opioid theory which is related to GRD and CRD.

Sarcopenia: Etiology, Nutritional Approaches, and miRNAs

Sarcopenia, an age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function, dramatically affects the quality of life. Although there is a consensus that sarcopenia is a multifactorial syndrome, the etiology and underlying mechanisms are not yet delineated. Moreover, research about nutritional interventions to prevent the development of sarcopenia is mainly focused on the amount and quality of protein intake. The impact of several nutrition strategies that consider timing of food intake, anti-inflammatory nutrients, metabolic control, and the role of mitochondrial function on the progression of sarcopenia is not fully understood. This narrative review summarizes the metabolic background of this phenomenon and proposes an integral nutritional approach (including dietary supplements such as creatine monohydrate) to target potential molecular pathways that may affect reduce or ameliorate the adverse effects of sarcopenia. Lastly, miRNAs, in particular those produced by skeletal muscle (MyomiR), might represent a valid tool to evaluate sarcopenia progression as a potential rapid and early biomarker for diagnosis and characterization.

Polymerized Whey Protein Concentrate-Based Glutathione Delivery System: Physicochemical Characterization, Bioavailability and Sub-Chronic Toxicity Evaluation

Glutathione (GSH) is a powerful antioxidant, but its application is limited due to poor storage stability and low bioavailability. A novel nutrient encapsulation and delivery system, consisting of polymerized whey protein concentrate and GSH, was prepared and in vivo bioavailability, antioxidant capacity and toxicity were evaluated. Polymerized whey protein concentrate encapsulated GSH (PWPC-GSH) showed a diameter of roughly 1115 ± 7.07 nm (D50) and zeta potential of 30.37 ± 0.75 mV. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed that GSH was successfully dispersed in PWPC particles. In vivo pharmacokinetics study suggested that PWPC-GSH displayed 2.5-times and 2.6-fold enhancement in maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) as compared to free GSH. Additionally, compared with plasma of mice gavage with free GSH, significantly increased antioxidant capacity of plasma in mice with PWPC-GSH was observed (p < 0.05). Sub-chronic toxicity evaluation indicated that no adverse toxicological reactions related to oral administration of PWPC-GSH were observed on male and female rats with a diet containing PWPC-GSH up to 4% (w/w). Data indicated that PWPC may be an effective carrier for GSH to improve bioavailability and antioxidant capacity.

Encapsulation of cinnamon oil in whey protein counteracts the disturbances in biochemical parameters, gene expression, and histological picture of the liver and pancreas of diabetic rats

This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of encapsulated cinnamon oil emulsion (COE) in whey protein concentrate (WPC) against the disturbance in lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, and gene expression in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. COE was analyzed using GC-MS, and the emulsion was prepared and characterized. In the in vivo study, six groups of male rats were treated orally for 4 weeks, including the control group, the group treated with STZ (D-rats), the groups received a low or high dose of COE (200 or 400 mg/kg B.w.), and the D-rats groups received COE at the low or high dose. Blood and tissue samples were collected after the end of the treatment period for biochemical, genetical, and histological analyses. The GC-MS results revealed that the major components of the oil were cinnamaldehyde, 1,8 cineole, acetic acid, 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept2yl ester, α-Pinene, and α-Terpineol. The size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) of COE were 240 ± 1.03 nm, - 7.09 ± 0.42, and 0.36, respectively. The in vivo results revealed that COE at the two tested doses improved the levels of glucose, insulin, amylase, lipid profile, hepatic MDA, SOD, and GSH. COE also downregulated hepatic GLU2, FAS, SREBP-1c, and PEPCK gene expression and upregulated IGF-1 mRNA expression in diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, COE improved and the histological picture of the liver and pancreas. It could be concluded that COE overcomes the disturbances in biochemical, cytological, and histopathological changes in D-rats via the enhancement of antioxidant capacity; reduces the oxidative stress; modulates the concerned gene expression; and may be promising to develop new drugs for diabetic treatment.

Whey protein in cancer therapy: A narrative review

Cancer remains a public health challenge in the identification and development of ideal pharmacological therapies and dietary strategies. The use of whey protein as a dietary strategy is widespread in the field of oncology. The two types of whey protein, sweet or acid, result from several processing techniques and possess distinct protein subfraction compositions. Mechanistically, whey protein subfractions have specific anti-cancer effects. Alpha-lactalbumin, human α-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cell, bovine α-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cell, bovine serum albumin, and lactoferrin are whey protein subfractions with potential to hinder tumor pathways. Such effects, however, are principally supported by studies performed in vitro and/or in vivo. In clinical practice, whey protein intake-induced anti-cancer effects are indiscernible. However, whey protein supplementation represents a practical, feasible, and cost-effective approach to mitigate cancer cachexia syndrome. The usefulness of whey protein is evidenced by a greater leucine content and the potential to modulate IGF-1 concentrations, representing important factors towards musculoskeletal hypertrophy. Further clinical trials are warranted and needed to establish the effects of whey protein supplementation as an adjuvant to cancer therapy.

Protective effects of whey on rat liver damage induced by chronic alcohol intake

In 2012, alcohol liver disease resulted in 3.3 million-5.9% of global deaths. This study introduced whey protection capacity against chronic alcohol-induced liver injury. Rats were orally administered to 12% ethanol solution in water (ad libitum, average 8.14 g of ethanol/kg body weight (b.w.)/day) alone or combined with whey ( per os, 2 g/kg b.w./day). After 6-week treatment, chronic ethanol consumption induced significant histopathological liver changes: congestion, central vein dilation, hepatic portal vein branch dilation, Kupffer cells hyperplasia, fatty liver changes, and hepatocytes focal necrosis. Ethanol significantly increased liver catalase activity and glutathione reductase protein expression without significant effects on antioxidative enzymes: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), copper-zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Co-treatment with whey significantly attenuated pathohistological changes induced by ethanol ingestion and increased GSH-Px and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) protein expression. Our results showed positive effects of whey on liver chronically exposed to ethanol, which seem to be associated with NF-κB-GPx signaling.

Encapsulation of cinnamon essential oil in whey protein enhances the protective effect against single or combined sub-chronic toxicity of fumonisin B1 and/or aflatoxin B1 in rats

Fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) are fungal metabolites that frequently co-occur in foodstuffs and are responsible for mycotoxicosis and several primary cancers. Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has a spacious range of benefit effects but also has some limitations owing to its strong taste or its interaction with some drugs. This study aimed to use the cinnamon oil emulsion droplets (COED) for the protection against oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats sub-chronically exposed to FB₁ and/or AFB₁. The composition of CEO was identified using GC-MS then was encapsulated using whey protein as wall material. Male rats were divided into eight groups and treated orally for 8 weeks as follows: control group, AFB₁-trreated group (80 μg/kg b.w), FB₁-treated group (100 mg/kg b.w), FB₁ plus AFB₁-treated group, and the groups treated with COED plus FB₁ and/or AFB₁. Blood and samples of the kidney, liver, and testis were collected for different analysis and histopathological examination. The GC-MS analysis revealed that cinnamaldehyde, α-copaene, trans-cinnamaldehyde, caryophyllene, and delta-cadinene were the main compounds in COE. The average size of COED was 235 ± 1.4 nm and the zeta potential was - 6.24 ± 0.56. Treatment with FB₁ and/or AFB₁ induced significant disturbances in the serum biochemical analysis, oxidative stress parameters, DNA fragmentation, gene expression, and testosterone and severe pathological changes in the tested organs. Moreover, treatment with both mycotoxins induced synergistic toxic effects. COED did not induce toxic effects and could normalize the majority of the tested parameters and improve the histological picture in rats treated with FB₁ and/or AFB₁. It could be concluded that COED induce potential protective effects against the single or combined exposure to FB₁ and AFB₁.

Applications for α-lactalbumin in human nutrition

α-Lactalbumin is a whey protein that constitutes approximately 22% of the proteins in human milk and approximately 3.5% of those in bovine milk. Within the mammary gland, α-lactalbumin plays a central role in milk production as part of the lactose synthase complex required for lactose formation, which drives milk volume. It is an important source of bioactive peptides and essential amino acids, including tryptophan, lysine, branched-chain amino acids, and sulfur-containing amino acids, all of which are crucial for infant nutrition. α-Lactalbumin contributes to infant development, and the commercial availability of α-lactalbumin allows infant formulas to be reformulated to have a reduced protein content. Likewise, because of its physical characteristics, which include water solubility and heat stability, α-lactalbumin has the potential to be added to food products as a supplemental protein. It also has potential as a nutritional supplement to support neurological function and sleep in adults, owing to its unique tryptophan content. Other components of α-lactalbumin that may have usefulness in nutritional supplements include the branched-chain amino acid leucine, which promotes protein accretion in skeletal muscle, and bioactive peptides, which possess prebiotic and antibacterial properties. This review describes the characteristics of α-lactalbumin and examines the potential applications of α-lactalbumin for human health.

Invited review: Whey proteins as antioxidants and promoters of cellular antioxidant pathways

Oxidative stress contributes to cell injury and aggravates several chronic diseases. Dietary antioxidants help the body to fight against free radicals and, therefore, avoid or reduce oxidative stress. Recently, proteins from milk whey liquid have been described as antioxidants. This review summarizes the evidence that whey products exhibit radical scavenging activity and reducing power. It examines the processing and treatment attempts to increase the antioxidant bioactivity and identifies 1 enzyme, subtilisin, which consistently produces the most potent whey fractions. The review compares whey from different milk sources and puts whey proteins in the context of other known food antioxidants. However, for efficacy, the antioxidant activity of whey proteins must not only survive processing, but also upper gut transit and arrival in the bloodstream, if whey products are to promote antioxidant levels in target organs. Studies reveal that direct cell exposure to whey samples increases intracellular antioxidants such as glutathione. However, the physiological relevance of these in vitro assays is questionable, and evidence is conflicting from dietary intervention trials, with both rats and humans, that whey products can boost cellular antioxidant biomarkers.

Fermented whey-based product improves the quality of life of males with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms: A randomized double-blind study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of a specific fermented whey product on lower urinary tract symptoms, main prostate related indices and oxidative stress/inflammatory markers in urine and seminal plasma in men with moderate dysuric symptoms. An additional purpose was to clarify associations between different parameters with special emphasis on pain.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized double-blind 4-weeks study on men with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent the evaluation for quality of life at the baseline and at the end of the study. The symptoms were characterized by International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-PSI), the maximum urinary flow and the main prostate-related indices. In order to obtain more comprehensive information about the effects of fermented whey product on systemic oxidative stress marker 8-EPI and seminal plasma inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and interleukin-8) were also measured.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks consumption of fermented whey product there was a statistically significant decrease of prostate-specific antigen level in serum and systemic stress marker 8-EPI in urine compared to control group. Maximum urinary flow and NIH-PSI all studied scores and sub-scores had also significant improvement. In addition, seminal plasma interleukin-8 level substantially decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of special fermented whey product improved urinary function, reduced lower urinary tract symptoms, systemic oxidative stress marker and seminal plasma inflammatory status. Thus it contributed to an improvement of the quality of life in men with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms.

Designing Dietary Recommendations Using System Level Interactomics Analysis and Network-Based Inference

Background: A range of computational methods that rely on the analysis of genome-wide expression datasets have been developed and successfully used for drug repositioning. The success of these methods is based on the hypothesis that introducing a factor (in this case, a drug molecule) that could reverse the disease gene expression signature will lead to a therapeutic effect. However, it has also been shown that globally reversing the disease expression signature is not a prerequisite for drug activity. On the other hand, the basic idea of significant anti-correlation in expression profiles could have great value for establishing diet-disease associations and could provide new insights into the role of dietary interventions in disease. Methods: We performed an integrated analysis of publicly available gene expression profiles for foods, diseases and drugs, by calculating pairwise similarity scores for diet and disease gene expression signatures and characterizing their topological features in protein-protein interaction networks. Results: We identified 485 diet-disease pairs where diet could positively influence disease development and 472 pairs where specific diets should be avoided in a disease state. Multiple evidence suggests that orange, whey and coconut fat could be beneficial for psoriasis, lung adenocarcinoma and macular degeneration, respectively. On the other hand, fructose-rich diet should be restricted in patients with chronic intermittent hypoxia and ovarian cancer. Since humans normally do not consume foods in isolation, we also applied different algorithms to predict synergism; as a result, 58 food pairs were predicted. Interestingly, the diets identified as anti-correlated with diseases showed a topological proximity to the disease proteins similar to that of the corresponding drugs. Conclusions: In conclusion, we provide a computational framework for establishing diet-disease associations and additional information on the role of diet in disease development. Due to the complexity of analyzing the food composition and eating patterns of individuals our in silico analysis, using large-scale gene expression datasets and network-based topological features, may serve as a proof-of-concept in nutritional systems biology for identifying diet-disease relationships and subsequently designing dietary recommendations.

Long-term patterns of urinary pyroglutamic acid in healthy humans

An investigation of human biological variation in urinary organic acids, including pyroglutamic acid along with 39 other compounds, was previously reported in which levels were determined for 8 weeks in healthy adult subjects. Here, unique, 4‐week‐long physiological trends for one of those compounds, pyroglutamic acid (PGA), are reported. When PGA levels for an individual rose above 40 μg/mg creatinine, 4‐week downward progressions occurred until levels reached values near 15 μg/mg creatinine and the pattern was reversed when levels for an individual were below that level in the early weeks of the study. The pattern was especially prominent among 8 of the 13 menstruating female subjects suggesting a possible association with metabolic stress of the menstrual cycle. However, it also appeared in 3 of the 8 male subjects where other sources of metabolic stress may be present. The menstrual association is consistent with estrogen‐mediated increase in oxidative stress. Since PGA is linked to glutathione turnover, the consistency of extreme values across all individuals displaying the pattern indicates that 15 and 40 μg/mg creatinine may represent limits that trigger shifts in sulfur amino acid metabolism. This is the first observation of approximate month‐long cyclic responses in a glutathione‐related urinary marker in humans.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) inhibition by tienilic acid produces hepatic injury: Antioxidant protection by fennel extract and whey protein concentrate

This study evaluated the effect of whey protein concentrate (WPC) or fennel seed extract (FSE) on paraoxonase-1 activity (PON1) and oxidative stress in liver of tienilic acid (TA) treated rats. Six groups of rats were treated for six weeks as follows: control; WPC (0.5g/kg/day); FSE (200mg/ kg/day); TA (1g/kg/twice a week); TA (1g/kg/twice a week) plus WPC (0.5g/kg/day); TA (1g/kg/twice a week) plus FSE (200mg/kg/day). TA administration significantly increased ALT and AST besides to total- and direct bilirubin levels. Also, serum tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide levels were significantly increased. Furthermore, serum PON1, and hepatic reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase values were diminished matched with a significant rise in the level of hepatic lipid peroxidation. Also, triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly elevated while HDL-cholesterol was unchanged. The administration of either WPC or FSE to TA-treated animals significantly protected the liver against the injurious effects of tienilic acid. This appeared from the improvement of hepatic functions, atherogenic markers, Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity, endogenous antioxidants and hepatic lipid peroxidation level; where WPC showed the strongest protection effect. In conclusion, the present study indicated that WPC and FSE improve PON1 activity and attenuate liver dysfunction induced by TA. This may be attributed to the high content of antioxidant compounds in WPC and fennel extract.

High Hydrostatic Pressure Pretreatment of Whey Protein Isolates Improves Their Digestibility and Antioxidant Capacity

Whey proteins have well-established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. High hydrostatic pressure processing of whey protein isolates increases their in vitro digestibility resulting in enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study compared the effects of different digestion protocols on the digestibility of pressurized (pWPI) and native (nWPI) whey protein isolates and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the hydrolysates. The pepsin-pancreatin digestion protocol was modified to better simulate human digestion by adjusting temperature and pH conditions, incubation times, enzymes utilized, enzyme-to-substrate ratio and ultrafiltration membrane molecular weight cut-off. pWPI showed a significantly greater proteolysis rate and rate of peptide appearance regardless of digestion protocol. Both digestion methods generated a greater relative abundance of eluting peptides and the appearance of new peptide peaks in association with pWPI digestion in comparison to nWPI hydrolysates. Hydrolysates of pWPI from both digestion conditions showed enhanced ferric-reducing antioxidant power relative to nWPI hydrolysates. Likewise, pWPI hydrolysates from both digestion protocols showed similar enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a respiratory epithelial cell line as compared to nWPI hydrolysates. These findings indicate that regardless of considerable variations of in vitro digestion protocols, pressurization of WPI leads to more efficient digestion that improves its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Is the antioxidative effectiveness of a bilberry extract influenced by encapsulation?

BACKGROUND

Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) have been suggested to have preventive properties against diseases associated with oxidative stress such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases. Therefore the gastrointestinal tract is regarded as a potential target for prevention. In this study the antioxidative properties of a commercially available anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract (BE) were investigated in comparison with four different BE-loaded microcapsule systems. As markers to describe the antioxidant status in this cellular system, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, oxidative DNA damage and total glutathione (tGSH) levels were monitored.

RESULTS

Incubations with the BE-loaded capsule systems showed an increase in cellular glutathione levels and reduction of ROS levels at high BE concentrations (100-500 µg mL(-1) ) and a positive effect on the formation of DNA strand breaks (5-10 µg mL(-1) BE). The biological properties of BE-loaded pectin amide core-shell capsules, whey protein matrix capsules and coated apple pectin matrix capsules were comparable to those of the non-encapsulated BE.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the BE and the encapsulated BE types tested have antioxidative activity under the studied assay conditions in terms of the prevention of oxidative DNA damage, the reduction of intracellular ROS and the enhancement of cellular tGSH.

Efficacy of screening immune system function in at-risk newborns

This paper explores the introduction of a screening test to highlight impaired immune system status for newborn infants and its efficacy as a preventative clinical measure. Moreover, it is suggested that screening of the infantile immune system has the potential to highlight susceptibility to a range of infant and childhood diseases, bestowing an opportunity to introduce early intervention to reduce the incidence of these diseases. Development of the neonatal immune system is an important health issue, implicated in many childhood problems such as allergies, infection, and autoimmunity. The neonate has a limited immune system and ability to combat bacteria. Depleted levels of the tripeptide reduced glutathione (GSH) have been linked to numerous conditions and its intracellular level is acknowledged as an indicator of immune system function. Introduction of an immune system screening programme for infants is formally reviewed and assessed. Several benefits are reported in the treatment of impaired immune systems, a trial screening programme is proposed for at-risk infants to gather further evidence as to its efficacy. Infants at risk of impaired immune system function include cystic fibrosis, premature infants, and low birth weight infants. The interventions include breastfeeding, milk banks, and appropriate formula to support the immune system.

Coacervate whey protein improves inflammatory milieu in mice fed with high-fat diet

Background

Functional foods with bioactive properties may help in treat obesity, as they can lead to a decreased risks of inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chitosan coacervate whey protein on the proinflammatory processes in mice fed with high-fat diet.

Methods

Mice were divided into two groups receiving either a normolipidic or high-fat diet; the animals in each of the two diet groups were given a diet supplement of either coacervate (gavage, 36 mg protein/kg of body weight) or tap water for four weeks [groups: normolipidic diet plus water (C); normolipidic diet and coacervate (CC); high-fat diet and water (H); and high-fat diet and coacervate (HC)].

Results

The high-fat diet promoted inflammation, possibly by decreased adiponectin/sum of adipose tissues ratio and increased phosphorylation of NF-κB p50. In HC we observed a positive correlation between IL-10 and TNF-α in mesenteric adipose tissue, retroperitoneal adipose tissue and liver tissue. We also observed a positive correlation between lipopolisaccharide with IL-10 in the liver tissue.

Conclusions

High-fat diet treatment promoted metabolic alterations and inflammation, and chitosan coacervate whey protein modulated inflammatory milieu.

Investigation of effect of nutritional drink on chemotherapy-induced mucosal injury and tumor growth in an established animal model

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis represents a significant burden to quality of life and healthcare costs, and may be improved through enhanced nutritional status. We first determined the safety of two nutritional drinks (plus placebo), and then potential gut protection in tumor-bearing rats in a model of methotrexate-induced mucositis. In study 1, animals were fed one of two test diets (or placebo or control chow pellets) for a total of 60 days and were monitored daily. All diets were found to be safe to administer. In study 2, after seven days of receiving diets, a Dark Agouti Mammary Adenocarcinoma (DAMA) was transplanted subcutaneously. Ten days after starting diets, animals had 2 mg/kg intramuscular methotrexate administered on two consecutive days; after this time, all animals were given soaked chow. Animals were monitored daily for changes in bodyweight, tumor burden and general health. Animals were killed 10, 12 and 16 days after initially starting diets, and tissues were collected at necropsy. In study 1, animals receiving diets had gained 0.8% and 10.8% of their starting bodyweight after 60 days, placebo animals 4.4%, and animals fed on standard chow had gained 15.1%. In study 2, there was no significant influence of test diet on bodyweight, organ weight, tumor burden or biochemical parameters. Only animals treated with MTX exhibited diarrhea, although animals receiving Diet A and Diet C showed a non-significant increase in incidence of diarrhea. Administration of these nutritional drinks did not improve symptoms of mucositis.

Comparing serum responses to acute feedings of an extensively hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate versus a native whey protein concentrate in rats: a metabolomics approach

We examined how gavage feeding extensively hydrolyzed whey protein (WPH) versus a native whey protein concentrate (WPC) transiently affected serum biochemical profiles in rodents. Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were 8 h fasted and subsequently fed isonitrogenous amounts of WPH or WPC, or remained unfed (control). Animals were sacrificed 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min post-gavage for serum extraction, and serum was analyzed using untargeted global metabolic profiling via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography/MS/MS platforms. We detected 333 serum metabolites amongst the experimental and control groups. Both WPH and WPC generally increased amino acids (1.2-2.8-fold), branched-chain amino acids (1.2-1.7-fold), and serum di- and oligo-peptides (1.1-2.7-fold) over the 60 min time course compared with control (q < 0.05). However, WPH increased lysine (false discovery rate using a q-value <0.05) and tended to increase isoleucine and valine 15 min post-feeding (q < 0.10) as well as aspartylleucine 30 min post-feeding compared with WPC (q < 0.05). While both protein sources led to a dramatic increase in free fatty acids compared with control (up to 6-fold increases, q < 0.05), WPH also uniquely resulted in a 30 min post-feeding elevation in free fatty acids compared with WPC (q < 0.05), an effect which may be due to the robust 30 min postprandial increase in epinephrine in the WPH cohort. These data provide a unique postprandial time-course perspective on how WPH versus WPC feedings affect circulating biochemicals and will guide future research comparing these 2 protein sources.

Acceptability of an Alimentary Supplement of Whey-Protein Concentrate and TGF- β in Patients with Crohn's Disease

The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of an alimentary supplement of bovine whey-protein concentrate (WPC) and TGF- β , unavailable commercially, by patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and determine the chemical composition, solubility, and total amino acids content. The supplement was diluted in water, and an acceptance test was done to evaluate the aroma, flavour, and viscosity of the product using facial hedonic scale (nine-point scale), applied on 54 CD patients. The supplement composition indicated 73.3% protein, 10.5% fat, 2.2% ash, 6.3% water, and 7.7% carbohydrate. The supplement is presented as a good protein source and high content of essential amino acids. The average acceptance for all the attributes was between 5.0 and 6.0, and the flavour was mainly associated with soybean/grain, sour milk, and sweet/vanilla flavour. The results indicated that the supplement provided important nutritional properties for CD patients; however, for a large number of individuals to be encouraged to perform supplementation, it is essential to improve the sensory quality of the product. In order to do so, additional research is necessary to prevent the formation of volatiles which cause off-flavours or to mask undesirable aromas/flavours found in it.

Boerhaavia diffusa L. attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells via modulating oxidative stress and down-regulating NF-κβ and transforming growth factor β1

The present study evaluated the antihypertrophic potential of the ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa (BDE), a well-known edible cardiotonic plant reported in Ayurveda against angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells. Markers of hypertrophy such as cell size, protein content and the concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were analysed for the confirmation of hypertrophy induction. Angiotensin II (100 nM) caused an increase in cell volume (69·26 (SD 1·21)%),protein content (48·48 (SD 1·64)%), ANP (81·90 (SD 1·22)%) and BNP (108·57 (SD 1·47)%). BDE treatment significantly reduced cell volume, protein content and the concentrations of ANP and BNP (P#0·05) in H9c2 cells. The activity of various antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of reduced glutathione, which was lowered due to hypertrophy, were increased in BDE-treated cells. The BDE treatment also reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls in cells. In addition,the expression patterns of NF-kb and transforming growth factor b1 were found to be increased during hypertrophy, and their expressions were reduced on BDE treatment. In vitro chemical assays showed that BDE inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme and xanthine oxidase in a dose-dependent manner with an estimated 50% effective concentration (EC50) value of 166·12 (SD 2·42) and 60·05 (SD 1·54) mg/ml,respectively. The overall results clearly indicate the therapeutic potential of B. diffusa against cardiac hypertrophy, in addition to its nutritional qualities.

Whey protein hydrolysates decrease IL-8 secretion in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated respiratory epithelial cells by affecting LPS binding to Toll-like receptor 4

Whey proteins (WP) exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Hyperbaric pressurisation of whey increases its digestibility and changes the spectrum of peptides released during digestion. We have shown that dietary supplementation with pressurised whey improves nutritional status and systemic inflammation in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Both clinical indices are largely affected by airway processes, to which respiratory epithelial cells actively contribute. Here, we tested whether peptides released from the digestion of pressurised whey can attenuate the inflammatory responses of CF respiratory epithelial cells. Hydrolysates of pressurised WP (pWP) and native WP (nWP, control) were generated in vitro and tested for anti-inflammatory properties judged by the suppression of IL-8 production in CF and non-CF respiratory epithelial cell lines (CFTE29o- and 1HAEo-, respectively). We observed that, in both cell lines, pWP hydrolysate suppressed IL-8 production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to a greater magnitude compared with nWP hydrolysate. Neither hydrolysate suppressed IL-8 production induced by TNF-α or IL-1β, suggesting an effect on the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 pathway, the cellular sensor for LPS. Further, neither hydrolysate affected TLR4 expression or neutralised LPS. Both pWP and nWP hydrolysates similarly reduced LPS binding to surface TLR4, while pWP tended to more potently increase extracellular antioxidant capacity.

IN CONCLUSION

(1) anti-inflammatory properties of whey are enhanced by pressurisation; (2) suppression of IL-8 production may contribute to the clinical effects of pressurised whey supplementation on CF; (3) this effect may be partly explained by a combination of reduced LPS binding to TLR4 and enhanced extracellular antioxidant capacity.

Partial chemical and functional characterization of milk whey products obtained by different processes

Whey protein samples (S-1 to S-5) were tested in vivo and in vitro for nutritional properties and selected bioactivities. Weanling male Wistar rats fed modified AIN-93G (12 g protein.100 g-1) diets for 21 days were used the in vivo studies. The nutritional parameters did not differ among the protein diets tested. Erythrocyte glutathione content was considered high and was higher for S-3, but liver glutathione was the same for all dietary groups. For S-3, cytokine secretion (IL-10 and TNF-α) by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (in RPMI-1640 medium) was higher in the absence of antigen than in the presence of BCG antigen. Interleukin-4 secretion was repressed in all treatments. The IC50, whey protein concentration required to inhibit 50% of the melanoma cell proliferation, was 2.68 mg.mL-1 of culture medium for the S-3 sample and 3.66 mg.mL-1 for the S-2 sample. Based on these results, it was concluded that S-3 (whey protein concentrate enriched with TGF-β and lactoferrin) produced better nutritional and immunological responses than the other products tested.

Antioxidative effects of whey protein on peroxide-induced cytotoxicity

Myoblastic toxicity is a major adverse effect caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exercising heavily. Although protection or alleviation of ROS toxicity can be achieved by administration of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin C, their protective effect remains controversial. Thus, alternative natural antioxidants may be potential candidates for foods for athletes. In this research, we investigated the antioxidative effect of whey protein against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) toxicity using C(2)C(12) myoblasts. Whey protein pre-incubation prevented the decrease in cell viability after H(2)O(2) treatment. The production of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine associated with DNA oxidative damage was also inhibited by the whey protein pre-incubation. Endogenous antioxidant defense, such as glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity, was also modulated by the antioxidant. At the same time, enhanced mRNA expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 were observed in cells pre-incubated with whey protein before H(2)O(2) abuse. These findings suggest that whey protein improved the antioxidant capacity against acute oxidative stress through multiple pathways and this protein may serve as an alternative source of antioxidants for prevention of athletic injuries caused by ROS.

Effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the distributions of lymphocyte subpopulations in rats with excessive alcohol intake

To investigate the effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) on antioxidant statuses and the lymphocyte subpopulations in the rats with alcohol intake, the antioxidant statuses in the peripheral blood (PB) and the lymphocyte subpopulations in the PB, spleen, and bone marrow (BM) of the rats fed with WPC (0.334 g/kg) and alcohol (6 g/kg) for 3 months were analyzed. Results showed that the effects of WPC on the glutathione peroxidase and glutathione in the PB, the T and B cells in the spleen, and the B cells in the BM were more apparent in the rats with alcohol intake; however, they are not apparent in the controls. Taken together, our results indicated that the immunity of rats might be enhanced by the increased antioxidant ability after WPC supplementation and the effects of WPC on the lymphocyte subpopulations were mainly in the spleen and BM and not in the PB.

Effects of alcohol-induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) pretreated whey protein concentrate (WPC) on oxidative damage

Excessive alcohol consumption can induce apoptosis in a variety of tissues and influence the antioxidant status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). This paper investigates the effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) pretreated in PBMC on the apoptosis and antioxidant status after the treatment of alcohol. The results show that the percentages of apoptotic cells in the alcohol-treated group were higher than those in the group without alcohol treatment. Additionally, there was higher glutathione (GSH) peroxidase (GPx) activity when the PBMC were treated with 300 mg/dL of alcohol. With regard to the activity of GSH reductase (GRx), there was higher activity in the group pretreated with WPC than in the group with the treatment of alcohol only. On the contrary, the levels of GSH were reduced after the treatment of alcohol, but there was a higher level of GSH in the group pretreated with WPC. In this study, it was found that the increased level of GSH in PBMC might not be attributed to the effect of GRx because there was still a higher level of GSH in the group with the treatment of WPC and BCNU (a GRx inhibitor) in this study. The results indicated that PBMC pretreated with WPC might ameliorate alcohol-induced effects such as imbalance of the antioxidant status.

Bovine whey proteins – Overview on their main biological properties

Whey, a liquid by-product, is widely accepted to contain many valuable constituents. These include especially proteins that possess important nutritional and biological properties – particularly with regard to promotion of health, as well as prevention of diseases and health conditions. Antimicrobial and antiviral actions, immune system stimulation, anticarcinogenic activity and other metabolic features have indeed been associated with such whey proteins, as α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and bovine serum albumin. The most important advances reported to date pertaining to biological properties of whey proteins are reviewed in this communication.

Anti-inflammatory potential of a malleable matrix composed of fermented whey proteins and lactic acid bacteria in an atopic dermatitis model

Background

Over the last 10 years, whey proteins have received considerable attention in the area of functional foods and nutraceuticals. In this paper, a novel fermented whey protein-based product described as a gel-like Malleable Protein Matrix (MPM) has been tested for its anti-inflammatory activity. Preliminary in vitro results have already indicated that MPM could exert such an anti-inflammatory activity.

Methods

The systemic anti-inflammatory activity of the MPM was explored using the oxazolone-induced atopic contact dermatitis mouse model (ACD). Parameters including ear thickness, side effects as well as neutrophil extravasation were monitored.

Results

In the ACD model, the MPM exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to that of hydrocortisone (positive control). Mice fed with MPM showed strong reduction of the ear inflammation while no side effects, as compared to hydrocortisone, were observed. The MPM seemed to reduce neutrophil extravasation in tissue as evidenced by blood polymorphonuclear cells and ear myeloperoxidase content.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated in the ACD model suggests that the mechanism of action of the MPM is different than that of hydrocortisone and could become a relevant product for people suffering from dermatological manifestations associated with immune dysfunctions such as allergies, eczema, dermatitis, and autoimmune diseases.

Immunomodulation by a Malleable Matrix Composed of Fermented Whey Proteins and Lactic Acid Bacteria

Functional foods and nutraceuticals have gained in popularity over the last 10 years. Among natural health products, whey proteins and fermented milk products are paramount. A malleable protein matrix (MPM), composed of whey fermented by a lactic acid bacterium, capsular exopolysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and peptides generated during the fermentation process, has the potential to be unique by combining multiple health-promoting components. Forced feeding experiments on healthy animals were performed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of MPM. Glutathione production, antibody response, and the modulation of leukocyte populations were monitored. The stimulation of the immune system by MPM consumption was evident as seen by the increased polymorphonuclear cell counts and intracellular glutathione levels. The absence of MPM-specific antibody production indicated a lack of undesirable immune recognition of MPM. The MPM, with its immunomodulatory properties, has the potential to be a food substitute or a functional food for maintenance of general immune health.

High hydrostatic pressure enhances whey protein digestibility to generate whey peptides that improve glutathione status in CFTR-deficient lung epithelial cells

Whey protein isolates (WPI) may provide anti-inflammatory benefits to cystic fibrosis (CF), which could be mediated via peptides, as proteolytic digests of WPI enhance intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentrations. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether high hydrostatic pressure can (i) improve the in vitro digestibility of WPI; and (ii) generate low molecular weight (< 1 kDa) peptides from WPI hydrolysates that exert GSH-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties in wild type and mutant CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) tracheal epithelial cells. Hydrostatic pressure processing enhanced the in vitro digestibility of WPI to proteolytic enzymes resulting in altered peptide profiles as assessed by CZE and GC-MS. The exposure of mutant CFTR cells to low molecular weight (< 1 kDa) peptides isolated from WPI hydrolysates exposed to pressure processing (pressurized WPI hydrolysates, pWPH), showed increased intracellular levels of reduced GSH and total GSH relative to treatment with peptides obtained from native WPI hydrolysates (nWPH). A tendency for decreased interleukin-8 secretion was associated with the pWPH and nWPH treatments in mutant CFTR cells, which was not observed in wild type cells. Hydrostatic pressure processing of whey proteins appears to enhance their impact on cellular GSH status in cells with the mutant CFTR condition.