Whey protein concentrate protects against age-dependent alteration in redox biomarkers

Aging is associated with decreased cellular cysteine uptake, which acts as a precursor for glutathione biosynthesis. Whey protein, a liquid aspect of milk, is an effective cysteine delivery system. The study was undertaken to evaluate the potential role of whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the redox biomarkers during aging. Male Wistar rats were divided into following four groups: young control (4 months old); young treated with WPC (300 mg/kg b.w./day orally); old (24 months old) control; old treated with WPC for 28 days. After treatment, changes in body weight, lipid profile and levels of redox biomarkers were determined. A marked decrease in prooxidants such as reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl and significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in antioxidants such as reduced glutathione and GST levels were observed after WPC supplementation in old age rats. We also found marked decrease in the level of sialic acid and AGEs after WPC supplementation. In conclusion, WPC provides protection against age-dependent redox imbalance which might be attributed to its antioxidant activity.