Whey protein concentrate supplementation protects erythrocyte membrane from aging‐induced alterations in rats

Abstract

Whey protein concentrate (WPC), a protein complex derived from milk, exerts a number of health benefits. The present study deals with the beneficial effects of WPC on erythrocyte membrane in rats during aging. Male Wistar rats of two different age groups: young (4 months) and old (24 months) were supplemented with WPC (300 mg/kg b.w. orally) for 28 days. The effect of WPC on age-dependent activities of membrane transporters: Na+/K+-ATPase, Ca2+ATPase (PMCA), and Na+/H+ Exchanger, and also on markers of oxidative stress: protein carbonyl, lipid hydroperoxides, sialic acid, and total thiol was determined. WPC supplementation ameliorated the age-dependent alteration in the activity of membrane-bound transporters, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in old-aged rats. Thus, WPC could be a useful dietary regimen and may augment the ability of cells to fight damage against age-dependent structural and functional alterations. Practical applications Anti-aging strategies focused on nutritional modulation of health span provide an exciting area of research. Whey protein, a vital constituent of milk is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids and has been widely accepted as an effective and safe cysteine donor for glutathione replenishment. It is acknowledged that biomarkers of oxidative stress provide a useful indicator for assessing age-dependent alterations. Nutritional supplements which augment redox balance provide an effective intervention strategy for age-dependent oxidative damage. In this study, we provide experimental evidence of WPC-induced protective effect on biomarkers of aging in rats. Based on the studies on rats, we hypothesize that similar effect may be obtained in humans. Thus, WPC could be explored as a functional food to boost the cellular antioxidant levels and improve health span in humans.