Pierre Lemieux

Whey proteins and peptides: beneficial effects on immune health

Over the last decade, natural health products have been the subject of immense infatuation in the scientific community, in particular with immunologists. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated important effects on all facets of immunity – from the stimulation of innate and adaptive immunity, to an anti-inflammatory effect of these products. In many of these enhancing health products, whey proteins and whey peptides are present, which, for many years, have been well known for their benefits on energy, sport endurance, protection against cancers, and serum lipid-lowering effect. Recently, this class of product has gained interest from immunologists who support the ever increasing body of evidence regarding their beneficial effects on the immune system. This article will focus on studies showing immune effects associated with each whey protein and peptide.

The whey fermentation product malleable protein matrix decreases TAG concentrations in patients with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Animal and human studies suggest that a malleable protein matrix (MPM) from whey decreases plasma lipid concentrations and may positively influence other components of the metabolic syndrome such as glucose metabolism and blood pressure (BP). The primary objective of this double-blind, multi-centre trial was to investigate the effects of a low-fat yoghurt supplemented with whey MPM on fasting TAG concentrations in patients with the metabolic syndrome. A total of 197 patients were randomised to receive MPM or a matching placebo yoghurt identical in protein content (15 g/d). Patients were treated during 3 months with two daily servings of 150 g yoghurt each to compare changes from baseline in efficacy variables. MPM treatment resulted in a significantly larger reduction of TAG concentrations in comparison to placebo (relative change -16%, P=0·004). The difference was even more pronounced in subjects with elevated fasting TAG (≥200 mg/dl) at baseline (-18%, P=0·005). The relative treatment difference in fasting plasma glucose was -7·1 mg/dl (P=0·089). This effect was also more pronounced in subjects with impaired fasting glucose at baseline (-11 mg/dl, P=0·03). In patients with hypertension, the relative treatment difference in systolic BP reached -5·9 mmHg (P=0·054). The relative treatment difference in body weight was -1·7 kg (P=0·015). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal in nature. Conclusions from the present study are that consumption of a low-fat yoghurt supplemented with whey MPM twice a day over 3 months significantly reduces fasting TAG concentrations in patients with the metabolic syndrome and improves multiple other cardiovascular risk factors.

Anti-inflammatory potential of a malleable matrix composed of fermented whey proteins and lactic acid bacteria in an atopic dermatitis model

BackgroundOver the last 10 years, whey proteins have received considerable attention in the area of functional foods and nutraceuticals. In this paper, a novel fermented whey protein-based product described as a gel-like Malleable Protein Matrix (MPM) has been tested for its anti-inflammatory activity. Preliminary in vitro results have already indicated that MPM could exert such an anti-inflammatory activity.MethodsThe systemic anti-inflammatory activity of the MPM was explored using the oxazolone-induced atopic contact dermatitis mouse model (ACD). Parameters including ear thickness, side effects as well as neutrophil extravasation were monitored.ResultsIn the ACD model, the MPM exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to that of hydrocortisone (positive control). Mice fed with MPM showed strong reduction of the ear inflammation while no side effects, as compared to hydrocortisone, were observed. The MPM seemed to reduce neutrophil extravasation in tissue as evidenced by blood polymorphonuclear cells and ear myeloperoxidase content.ConclusionThe anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated in the ACD model suggests that the mechanism of action of the MPM is different than that of hydrocortisone and could become a relevant product for people suffering from dermatological manifestations associated with immune dysfunctions such as allergies, eczema, dermatitis, and autoimmune diseases.

Regulatory function of a malleable protein matrix as a novel fermented whey product on features defining the metabolic syndrome.

Previously, we reported that a malleable protein matrix (MPM), composed of whey fermented by a proprietary Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens strain, has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. MPM consumption leads to a considerable reduction in the cytokine and chemokine production (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6), thus lowering chronic inflammation or metaflammation. Inhibition of metaflammation should provide positive impact, particularly in the context of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension. In this study, we investigated whether short-term MPM supplementation ameliorates those features of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The ability of MPM to potentially regulate triglyceride level, cholesterol level, blood glucose level, and hypertension was evaluated in different animal models. MPM lowers triglyceride level by 37% (P < .05) in a poloxamer 407 dyslipidemia-induced rat model. It also reduces total cholesterol by 18% (P < .05) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level by 32% (P < .05) and raises high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level by 17% (P < .01) in Syrian Golden hamsters fed a high fat/high cholesterol diet for 2 weeks. MPM reestablishes the fasting glucose insulin ratio index to normal levels (P = .07) in this latter model and lowers the plasma glucose level area under the curve (-10%, P = .09) in fructose-fed rats after 2 weeks of treatment. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, MPM-treated animals showed a reduction of SBP by at least 13% (P < .05) for 4 weeks. Results from this study suggest that MPM is a functional ingredient with beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, blood glucose control, and hypertension that might contribute to the management of MetS and thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Socioeconomic and health benefits of lactoceuticals.

The rapid increase of healthcare and medication costs is a growing problem for industrialized countries. Several factors contribute to this problem and solutions are imperative to help the situation. In this review, the concept of lactoceuticals is introduced and why this class of product could have an impact in reducing healthcare and medication costs is explained. The term ‘lactoceuticals’ is defined and the key players already involved in this field are presented. This review will also summarize and list lactoceuticals that have reached a certain market maturity, and innovative lactoceuticals that will soon appear on the market following the correct clinical investigations and regulatory homologations.