Whey proteins in cancer prevention

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest dietary milk products possess antitumor properties.
• Research indicates the antitumor activity resides in milk's protein fraction, particularly whey protein.
• Previous findings show whey protein intake elevates tissue glutathione (GSH) concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of whey protein in antitumor activity.
• To explore the mechanism by which whey protein may influence carcinogenesis.
• To determine if enhanced glutathione synthesis mediates the observed effects of whey protein.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological and experimental studies on dietary milk products and cancer.
• Analysis of rodent studies on the effects of whey protein on tumor development.
• Examination of the relationship between whey protein intake, tissue GSH levels, and GSH synthesis inhibition.

Main Results:

• Whey protein diets are associated with increased tissue glutathione (GSH) concentrations.
• Inhibition of GSH synthesis negates some beneficial effects of whey protein.
• Whey protein is rich in substrates essential for GSH synthesis.

Conclusions:

• Whey protein may exert its antitumor effects by enhancing glutathione (GSH) concentration.
• The mechanism of whey protein's potential role in cancer prevention involves boosting GSH levels.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the role of GSH in mediating whey protein's chemopreventive effects.