Effects of Glycated Whey Protein Concentrate on Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Expression and Phagocytic Activity in RAW264.7 Macrophages

Biol Pharm Bull. 2016;39(2):199-206. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b15-00596.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the stimulatory effects of Maillard reaction, a non-enzymatic browning reaction on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and phagocytic activity induced by whey protein concentrate (WPC). Glycated WPC (G-WPC) was prepared by a reaction between WPC and the lactose it contained. The fluorescence intensity of G-WPC dramatically increased after one day, and high molecular weight complexes formed via the Maillard reaction were also observed in the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles. G-WPC demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, including stimulation of increased nitric oxide production and cytokine expressions (i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6), compared to WPC. Furthermore, the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells was significantly increased upon treatment with G-WPC, compared to WPC. Therefore, we suggest that G-WPC can be utilized as an improved dietary source for providing immune modulating activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / toxicity
  • Mice
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Phagocytosis / drug effects*
  • RAW 264.7 Cells
  • Whey Proteins / chemistry
  • Whey Proteins / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Whey Proteins
  • Nitric Oxide