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Published on: August 7, 2017
Effect of whey protein to modulate immune response in children with atopic asthma
James B Lothian1, Vijaylaxmi Grey, Larry C Lands
1The Department of Respiratory Medicine, McGill University Medical Centre, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Background:
Levels of glutathione (GSH) in antigen-presenting cells promote a T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine response in mice. We have previously demonstrated that we can increase intracellular GSH levels in healthy young adults using a whey-based oral supplement (HMS90). We hypothesized that such supplementation in children with atopic asthma, a Th2 cytokine disease, would improve lung function and decrease atopy.
Methods:
Eleven children (six females, five males; mean+/-standard deviation age, 12.6+/-3.6 years; baseline forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1), 82.4+/-15.4%predicted), underwent spirometry, methacholine provocation testing, and blood analysis for serum IgE and lymphocyte GSH before and after 1 month of supplementation (10 g twice daily).
Results:
Initially the IgE was 1689+/-1596 microg/l (normal range
Conclusions:
These results suggest a modest impact of whey protein supplementation on the cytokine response in atopic asthma. Supplementation for longer periods, or with more potent whey-based supplements, currently under development, may prove more beneficial.
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