Conclusions
Whey protein modulates Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-kB pathways, thereby creating a therapeutic effect against colonic inflammation induced by acetic acid (AA) due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Material and methods
Twenty-eight rats were employed for the trial. Ulcerative colitis was induced through the use of acetic acid. The therapeutic doses of whey protein were administered rectally. Ulcerative colitis was subjected to histopathological examination and protein levels in colon tissue were measured with the Western blot method.
Methods
Twenty-eight rats were employed for the trial. Ulcerative colitis was induced through the use of acetic acid. The therapeutic doses of whey protein were administered rectally. Ulcerative colitis was subjected to histopathological examination and protein levels in colon tissue were measured with the Western blot method.
Results
The significant increases observed in the levels of AP-1, COX-2, IL-6, IL-10, NF-κB, and TNF-α as markers of inflammation following the development of ulcerative colitis showed remarkable decreases along with the administration of whey protein (p < 0.05). On the other hand, we identified a decrease in the Nrf2-ARE signal pathway and HO-1 protein having protective roles in the colon inflammatory response along with the development of ulcerative colitis and activation of the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway by the whey protein. Conclusions: Whey protein modulates Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-kB pathways, thereby creating a therapeutic effect against colonic inflammation induced by acetic acid (AA) due to its anti-inflammatory effects.