Abstract
BackgroundWhey protein is a potential source of bioactive peptides. Based on findings from in vitro experiments indicating a novel whey derived peptide (NOP-47) increased endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, we tested its effects on vascular function in humans.MethodsA randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study design was used. Healthy men (n = 10) and women (n = 10) (25 ± 5 y, BMI = 24.3 ± 2.3 kg/m2) participated in two vascular testing days each preceded by 2 wk of supplementation with a single dose of 5 g/day of a novel whey-derived peptide (NOP-47) or placebo. There was a 2 wk washout period between trials. After 2 wk of supplementation, vascular function in the forearm and circulating oxidative stress and inflammatory related biomarkers were measured serially for 2 h after ingestion of 5 g of NOP-47 or placebo. Macrovascular and microvascular function were assessed using brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) and venous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography.ResultsBaseline peak FMD was not different for Placebo (7.7%) and NOP-47 (7.8%). Placebo had no effect on FMD at 30, 60, and 90 min post-ingestion (7.5%, 7.2%, and 7.6%, respectively) whereas NOP-47 significantly improved FMD responses at these respective postprandial time points compared to baseline (8.9%, 9.9%, and 9.0%; P < 0.0001 for time × trial interaction). Baseline reactive hyperemia forearm blood flow was not different for placebo (27.2 ± 7.2%/min) and NOP-47 (27.3 ± 7.6%/min). Hyperemia blood flow measured 120 min post-ingestion (27.2 ± 7.8%/min) was unaffected by placebo whereas NOP-47 significantly increased hyperemia compared to baseline (29.9 ± 7.8%/min; P = 0.008 for time × trial interaction). Plasma myeloperoxidase was increased transiently by both NOP-47 and placebo, but there were no changes in markers inflammation. Plasma total nitrites/nitrates significantly decreased over the 2 hr post-ingestion period and were lower at 120 min after placebo (-25%) compared to NOP-47 (-18%).ConclusionThese findings indicate that supplementation with a novel whey-derived peptide in healthy individuals improves vascular function.
Highlights
Whey protein is a potential source of bioactive peptides
Peak flow mediated dilation (FMD) significantly increased at 30 (8.87; 7.28– 10.46%), 60 (9.94; 7.94–11.94%), and 90 (9.02; 7.41– 10.63%) min post-ingestion in the NOP-47 trial which were significantly higher than corresponding placebo time points at 30 (7.52; 5.90–9.07%), 60 (7.21; 5.76– 8.65%), and 90 (7.61; 5.91–9.31%) min (P < 0.0001 for time × trial interaction) (Figure 2, top)
Individual responses revealed that 15 out of 20 subjects had greater peak FMD at 60 min (Figure 2, bottom) and 90 min postNOP-47 ingestion compared to these same time points following ingestion of placebo
Summary
Based on findings from in vitro experiments indicating a novel whey derived peptide (NOP-47) increased endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, we tested its effects on vascular function in humans. An important paracrine factor involved in vascular homoeostasis is endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO·), which is a potent vasodilator that inhibits platelet aggregation, inflammatory cell adhesion to the vessel wall, and smooth muscle cell proliferation [1]. Antioxidant supplementation mitigates postprandial endothelial dysfunction associated with high carbohydrate and high fat meals [5]. Oral supplementation [6] and intra-arterial administration [7] of L-arginine, the rate limiting amino acid for endothelial NO· synthesis [8], restored impaired endothelial function in older individuals and in response to a high fat meal [9], but not in younger adults with normal endothelial function [10]
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