Improved glutathione status in young adult patients with cystic fibrosis supplemented with whey protein.
BACKGROUND
The lung disease of cystic fibrosis is associated with a chronic inflammatory reaction and an over abundance of oxidants relative to antioxidants. Glutathione functions as a major frontline defense against the build-up of oxidants in the lung. This increased demand for glutathione (GSH) in cystic fibrosis may be limiting if nutritional status is compromised. We sought to increase glutathione levels in stable patients with cystic fibrosis by supplementation with a whey-based protein.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients who were in stable condition were randomly assigned to take a whey protein isolate (Immunocal, 10 g twice a day) or casein placebo for 3 months. Peripheral lymphocyte GSH was used as a marker of lung GSH. Values were compared with nutritional status and lung parameters.


RESULTS
At baseline there were no significant differences in age, height, weight, percent ideal body weight or percent body fat. Lymphocyte GSH was similar in the two groups. After supplementation, we observed a 46.6% increase from baseline (P < 0.05) in the lymphocyte GSH levels in the supplemented group. No other changes were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that dietary supplementation with a whey-based product can increase glutathione levels in cystic fibrosis. This nutritional approach may be useful in maintaining optimal levels of GSH and counteract the deleterious effects of oxidative stress in the lung in cystic fibrosis.
The Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Division, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Vijaylaxmi
V
Grey
Shawn R
SR
Mohammed
Argyrios A
AA
Smountas
Rasha
R
Bahlool
Larry C
LC
Lands
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005978:Glutathione / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000067816:Whey Proteins
D008894:Milk Proteins; D000067816:Whey Proteins; D005978:Glutathione