Antidepressant Activity of Alpha-lactalbumin in Chronic Unpredictable Stress Model in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause for morbidity and mortality. Whey protein components are recently used as functional foods with health benefits. Alpha-lactalbumin (A-LA) is an important component of whey protein. It is a good source of the essential amino acids.
 OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the possible antidepressant effect of whey protein against MDD induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in mice.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: CUS model is used to induce depression in mice for 24 consecutive days and aimed to evaluate the ability of A-LA compared to fluoxetine to recover depression symptoms. Thirty minutes before exposure to the physical stressor, mice were given A-LA daily in a dose of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg bwt.
 RESULTS: The highest dose of A-LA (300 mg/kg bwt.) lessens depression induced in mice.
 CONCLUSION: This effect might contribute to elevate the level of glutamate and monoamine neurotransmitters, γ-amino-butyric acid inhibition, and enhancement of glutathione in brain tissue.

The Antidepressant Effect of Deoiled Sunflower Seeds on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Mice Through Regulation of Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis

“…DSFS might reduce ROS generation by scavenging radicals, thereby attenuating the damage to serotoninergic neurons induced by MDA (39). A similar finding revealed that α-lactalbumin treatment decreased MDA levels and normalized GSH levels (40). More importantly, CUMS reduced 5-HT levels in the hippocampus, which were restored by chronic administration of DSFS and WPC.…”