Neurochemical, structural and neurobehavioral evidence of neuronal protection by whey proteins in diabetic albino mice

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is associated with pathological changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and alterations in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary supplement with whey protein (WP) could improve neurobehavior, oxidative stress and neuronal structure in the CNS. METHODS: Animals were distributed in three groups, a control group (N), a diabetic mellitus group (DM) and a DM group orally supplemented with WP (WP). RESULTS: The DM group of animals receiving WP had reduced blood glucose, significantly decreased free radical Diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and lower lipid peroxidation in brain tissue. The WP group of animals showed improvement in balancing, coordination and fore-limb strength, oxidative stress and neuronal structure. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that dietary supplementation with WP reduced oxidative stress, protected CNS neurons and improved the neurobehavior of diabetic mice.