CHANGES IN ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME ACTIVITY DURING FEEDING WITH WHEY POWDER AND CHITOSAN
Keywords:
whey powder, chitosan, antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, oxidative stress, mitochondria, ROS.Abstract
This scientific article provides a systematic literature-based analysis of changes occurring in the enzymatic components of the antioxidant defense system under feeding conditions involving whey powder (whey protein) and chitosan. The discussion focuses on the role of key antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)—in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), their modulation through glutathione metabolism supported by whey proteins, and the influence of chitosan on intestinal barrier function and antioxidant response pathways. The cysteine-rich composition of whey proteins is considered as a factor strengthening the substrate basis for glutathione synthesis, thereby promoting optimal GPx function and potentially reducing lipid peroxidation. Evidence is also presented that chitosan, particularly chitosan oligosaccharides, may increase SOD, CAT, and GPx activity in intestinal tissues and activate Nrf2-dependent antioxidant gene expression. Overall, the reviewed findings indicate that combined supplementation with whey powder and chitosan represents a promising approach for lowering oxidative stress, supporting mitochondrial stability, and improving immunometabolic adaptation.
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