Abstract:

Objective: It is known that whey proteins have a number of effects on maintaining human health. In this study protective effect of whey proteins in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea induced breast cancer model was investigated. Methods: In our study, female, virgin, 130 days old Sprague- Dawley rats were used to form a cancer model. N-methyl-Nnitrosourea (50 mg/kg) was injected two times by a 100 days break. During the study, whey proteins were given to the rats by orogastric gavage 2 times a week. At the end of 180 days, rats were sacrificed and samples were obtained. Glutathione, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls levels were determined in liver, kidney and breast tissues. Results: Among all groups, the highest malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels were detected in the N-methyl-Nnitrosourea group. The increase in these values were reversed back by whey proteins. Conclusion: The protective role of whey proteins against biochemical changes were observed in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea induced breast cancer model.

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