Ameliorating effect of whey preparation on Na⁺-K⁺-atpase and oxidative stress in chemotherapy induced rat model for brain toxicity

Introduction and Aim: Non-targeted tissue susceptibility of organs including brain is one of the significant impacts of chemotherapy and often limits the therapeutic strategies in cancer patients. A molecule or component which can prevent /suppress such action on non-targeted tissue may be of clinical significance to enhance the drug effectiveness and life style of the patient. Aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of Whey Preparation (WP) on the maintenance of steadiness of oxidative/anti-oxidative components of brain in a rat model exposed to chemotherapeutic stress. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult Wistar rats weighing around 200-250 g were randomly divided in to four groups (n=6). Effect of oral administration of 100 mg/kg body weight of freshly prepared WP was studied in comparison with normal control, etoposide and whey preparation administered groups. Activity of Sodium-Potassium ATPase (Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase), Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), Altered Oxidative Protein Products (AOPP), Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and reduced Glutathione (GSH) in brain tissue were studied. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA, p<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Results of etoposide induced rat model for chemostress suggests the strong involvement of imbalanced oxidative parameters. Significant increase in TBARS & AOPP levels, with enhanced MPO activity and decreased activity of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase enzyme activity with significant drop in Total Antioxidant (TAO) and GSH levels. Observed changes showed that administration of WP could exert changes in the parameters towards normal. Conclusion: The outcome of the study shows that WP could be a source of molecule/component which will help to overcome the consequences of chemotherapy on brain.