The cytoprotective role of whey protein hydrolysates against CdCl2-induced toxicity in fibroblasts by the Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) method.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic mineral element with a long half-life that causes excessive accumulation in tissues, especially the kidney. It influences cell development, proliferation, and death by activating intracellular signalling pathways. Currently, treatment options include chelation agents and antioxidant therapy. Researchers are investigating natural compounds that might protect against Cd-induced toxicity while providing less negative effects. The aim of the study is to look into the protective properties of bovine milk whey protein hydrolysates against Cd-induced toxicity in in vitro studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed by testing different concentrations of CdCl2 on fibroblast cell culture after the addition of different concentrations of whey peptides using the Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) assay, in order to study intermediate-term exposure (20-25 hrs).

RESULTS: By using the ECIS test, it was found that the higher the CdCl2 concentration, the lower the impedance value, which indicates a decrease in cell viability. At the same time, it was found that the use of whey proteins in concentrations of 0.5%, 0.8% and 1.2% had a protective effect on cells treated with toxic cadmium. It could be stated that protein peptides present in the medium may be responsible for binding cadmium, preventing its interaction with the fibroblast cell membrane and cell organelles.

CONCLUSIONS: The study provided evidence that bovine whey proteins have a protective effect against CdCl2 toxicity. This could be due to its enhanced antioxidant defence and metal chelating properties; therefore, whey proteins could be a useful nutritional supplement to reduce Cd toxicity.