Changes in histological structure and nitric oxide synthase expression in aorta of rats supplemented with bee pollen or whey protein

Abstract

Changes in histological structure and NOS expression in aorta of rats supplemented with bee pollen or whey protein.Introduction. Various protein-based supplements are at least periodically consumed by 30-40% of sportspeople. The current study compares cardiovascular effects of diet supplementation with two different protein-rich products -bee pollen and whey proteins.Material and methods. 30 Wistar rats were divided into two parts, one subjected to daily moderate physical activity and one not. Each part consisted of three groups: one control group, one wheyprotein-supplemented and one bee-pollen-supplemented. After eight weeks rats were decapitated and proximal parts of thoracic aortas were collected, and embed in paraffin blocks. Histological slides were stained according to standard H&E, Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff-Van Gieson stainings. Special immunohistochemical stains against nNOS, eNOS and α-SMA were also prepared.Results. Histological evaluation has revealed noticeable changes in all supplemented groupsdisturbances in elastic laminae, slight increase in collagen deposition and significantly lowered nNOS and eNOS expression. The prevalence of micro atherosclerotic plaques has been the highest in not-running supplemented groups, while in running supplemented groups it has resembled the prevalence in control groups. Both running groups have had also thinner tunica media than control.Conclusions. Both supplements exerts visible effects on aortic structure, but the difference between them is far less evident. In some aspects, however; the bee pollen seems to be even slightly more harmful which may be probably related to various possible contaminants like mycotoxins or pesticides.

Changes in the Histological Structure of Adrenal Glands and Corticosterone Level after Whey Protein or Bee Pollen Supplementation in Running and Non-Running Rats

“…It contained approximately 31 g of carbohydrates, 23 g of protein, 5 g of lipids, and 0.8 g of various vitamins (A, E, D, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and C) per 100 g [16]. The 100 g of enriched whey protein concentrate (further called either whey protein or WPC) contained 77 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates, and 7 g of lipids, as reported previously [33].…”

“…The vacuolization rate was calculated as a percentage of the area occupied by vacuoles to the total analyzed area in the particular cortex layer. The measurement of the extent of fibrosis was performed in Fiji, as reported previously [33].…”

All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Assessment of Bee Pollen Supplementation Effects on Gastric Mucosa

“…Haematoxylin and eosin staining was performed using standard protocol [ 39 ]. Immunochemistry (IHC) was performed as previously described by Zarobkiewicz et al (2019) and Jarosz et al (2022) [ 33 , 34 ].…”

“…The study protocol cited above was as described previously, including detailed consumption data [ 33 , 34 ]. We have decided not to include the results of whey protein supplementation in this particular part of the study concerning the gastric mucosa, as their purpose in the whole experiment was to be compared with bee pollen groups in muscle analysis.…”

“…Our study protocol was the same as in the papers published by Jarosz et al (2022) [33] and Zarobkiewicz et al (2019) [34], as our research is a continuation of these studies, this time targeting bee pollen supplementation in the mucosa of the collected stomachs of the rats used in this study.…”