The use of whey protein concentrate in management of chronic hepatitis C virus – a pilot study

Abstract

IntroductionWhey protein contains biologically active ingredients that can prevent and attenuate disease besides being nutritive. The aim of the study was to clarify the effects of oral administration of whey protein on viral load and host defence mechanisms, in particular, phagocytic function of neutrophils, selected immunomodulatory cytokines and serum inflammatory markers, in compensated chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients.Material and methodsTwenty-seven HCV patients (20 males and 7 females) recruited from the hepatology clinic of the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) were given whey protein concentrate (WPC) twice daily for two months. In addition, 15 age and sex matched healthy participants were included in the study, as a control group. Neutrophil phagocytic activity, serum intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), interleukin-2 (IL-2), nitric oxide (NO), as well as HCV-RNA levels and routine investigations were determined for patients, before and after WPC supplementation and once for the control group.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in viral load and markers of active inflammation, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while serum albumin, total leucocyte counts and absolute neutrophil counts showed significant elevation accompanied by improvement of neutrophil phagocytic activity after WPC supplementation compared to pre-treated levels. The oral WPC supplementation was well tolerated without any serious adverse events.ConclusionsOral supplementation of WPC has promising results as a new therapeutic strategy against HCV and its sequelae by decreasing the viral load and active inflammation as well as improving the synthetic capacity of the liver and the phagocytic function of neutrophils, in these patients.

Effects of resistance training associated with whey protein supplementation on liver and kidney biomarkers in rats

“…However, in special cases such as diseases with significant liver injury (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic hepatitis) in which there is an inflammatory background established, WP supplementation have been demonstrated to be an interesting approach to decreasing the activity of liver enzymes and increasing glutathione concentration and total antioxidant capacity in plasma (Chitapanarux et al 2009). In a pilot study (Elattar et al 2010) of the chronic hepatitis C virus, WP supplementation in standard dose (twice per day for 8 weeks) was able to reduce inflammatory markers and liver enzyme (ALP and AST) activity. In this way, WP supplementation may play a beneficial role in treating liver injuries of some clinical populations.…”

The effect of whey protein on viral infection and replication of SARS-CoV-2 and pangolin coronavirus in vitro

“…In particular, milk has antibacterial and antiviral properties (7). It was reported that milk components show antiviral activity against the HIV, HCMV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) (8)(9)(10). The Lactoferrin from the milk was reported to show antiviral activity and inhibition of intracellular HCV replication (11,12).…”

Emerging trends in nutraceutical applications of whey protein and its derivatives

“…Oral supplementation of whey protein concentrate reduced the hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden in a clinical trial. Anti-inflammation, augmentation of hepatic and phagocytic functionality was discerned to be the underlying mechanism (Elattar et al 2010). Discovery of other prospective roles constitutes an exciting avenue.…”