Effects of whey protein on liver regeneration in experimentally partial hepatectomised rats

Background: Main indications for liver resection are malignancies, infectious pathologies, trauma and transplantation. Therefore, accelerating the regeneration of the liver in the postoperative period is important in terms of compensating the metabolic load of the body. Aim: Whey protein is a protein complex and is a popular supplement product because of it's positive effects on muscle mass and exercise performance. In addition to the nutritional effects of whey protein, its medical uses are being investigated. In this study, we aimed to examine whether whey protein has enhancing effects on liver regeneration. Methods: 32 Wistar Albino male rats weighing 200-250 grams were used. Rats were randomly divided into four groups, and laparotomy was performed in the Control group, and then standard nutrition was given. In addition to the standard nutrition after laparotomy, 1 gr/kg/day whey protein suspension was given to the Control-Whey group by gastric gavage. Hepatectomy group underwent 70% hepatectomy and then was followed with standard nutrition. After 70% Hepatectomy was applied to the Hepatectomy-Whey group, 1 gr/kg/day gastric gavage and whey protein suspension was given in addition to the standard diet. On the 4th postoperative day, blood was taken from the vena cava in all animals and they were sacrificed, and their livers were resected. AST, ALT and Albumin levels were measured from blood samples. In the hepatectomy groups, the total liver weights calculated from the hepatectomy material were compared with the resected liver weights after sacrification, and the percentages of regeneration were compared. Histopathologically, the regeneration levels of liver tissue samples were examined. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of AST and ALT levels (p=0.09 and p=0.3). Albumin level was found to be statistically significantly higher in the Control-Whey group compared to the Control group (p=0.008). No significant difference was found between the Hepatectomy and Hepatectomy-Whey groups in terms of Albumin levels (p=0.99). It was concluded that regeneration was statistically higher in the Hepatectomy-Whey group than in the Hepatectomy group (p<0.0001). In the histopathological examination, it was concluded that the regeneration scores were statistically significantly higher in the Hepatectomy-Whey group compared to the Hepatectomy group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Whey protein complex increased the synthesis function and regeneration level of the liver in experimentally 70% hepatectomy rats. Keywords: Liver, Regeneration, Hepatectomy, Whey