Effects of whey protein on mitochondrial oxidative stress and respiratory enzymes in acrolein treated rats

Acrolein (AC) is one of the most exposed toxic chemicals in humans for various reasons, from feeding to cigarette smoke. Whey protein (WP) is a supplement with various biological activities used by those who want to lose weight, especially by athletes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of AC and WP on liver mitochondrial oxidative stress, respiratory enzymes, Krebs cycle enzymes and ATP. Sprague Dawley rats were given AC (5 mg/kg,o.p, 6 days per) ve WP (200 mg / kg, o.p., 6 days per week) and WP with AC for 30 days. In general, mitochondrial GSH levels and antioxidant enzymes were decreased in AC group, while mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl (PK) levels were significantly increased. Furthermore, in the AC group, were observed significant decrease in electron transport chain (ETZ) enzymes such as complex I and complex IV, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes such as mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase (mISDH) and ATP level. It was observed that oxidative stress and decreased enzyme activities and ATP level induced by AC returned to normal in AC +WP group. As a result of our findings, we have seen that WP is effective in improving oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function in liver by the of effect AC.