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Milk whey protein decreases oxygen free radical production in a murine model of chronic iron-overload cardiomyopathy.

Authors :
Bartfay WJ
Davis MT
Medves JM
Lugowski S
Source :
The Canadian journal of cardiology [Can J Cardiol] 2003 Sep; Vol. 19 (10), pp. 1163-8.
Publication Year :
2003

Abstract

Background: Chronic iron overload is a major cause of organ failure worldwide, but its pathogenesis remains to be elucidated.<br />Objectives: To examine in an experimental murine model of iron-overload cardiomyopathy the relation between milk whey protein and, first, the production of reactive oxygen free radical species and, second, antioxidant reserve status.<br />Methods: B6D2F1 mice were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n=8 per treatment group): placebo control; iron only; whey only; and iron with whey. Reactive oxygen free radical species in the heart were quantified by the cytotoxic aldehydes malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxy-nonenal (HNE) and hexanal, while antioxidant reserve status was quantified by glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the heart tissue.<br />Results: Significantly decreased concentrations (pmol/100 mg wet weight tissue) of MDA (2468+/-261), HNE (912+/-38) and hexanal (5385+/-927) were observed in the heart tissue of the group receiving iron with whey, in comparison with the iron-only treatment group (MDA 9307+/-387, HNE 1416+/-157, hexanal 14,874+/-2955; P<0.001). Significantly increased GPx (141+/-38 IU/L) and GSH (521+/-136 IU/L) activity were observed in mice receiving iron with whey, in comparison with mice receiving iron only (GPx 100+/-10 IU/L, GSH 446+/-33 IU/L; P<0.001).<br />Conclusion: Mice receiving iron treatments with whey supplementation had significantly lower concentrations of cytotoxic aldehydes and significantly higher cardiac levels of GPx and GSH activity than did iron-only treated mice. Additional basic research is warranted to examine the exact mechanisms by which milk whey protein protects the heart.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0828-282X
Volume :
19
Issue :
10
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The Canadian journal of cardiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
14532942