Supplemented acetylated whey comparing to N-acetylcysteine exerted promising chelation activity for overload iron-induction lung injury in rats.

Concentrations of heavy metal residues in the environment are increasing due to human activity and climate change. Iron is one of the most elements that increased in the environment, as a byproduct of industrial activities, fertilizers, and mining, leading to its deposition in the soil and subsequent transfer to plants and groundwater. In addition, iron is available as over the counter drug without prescriptions, and reported as the second common overdose drug during pregnancy. Iron poisoning affects the cells and tissues, and accumulated iron in lungs is risk and causes health problems, hematological diseases and aging processes. Iron overload chelation therapy is depending on the chelating agents such as deferoxamine. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapeutic N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is also working as metal chelator, but it would be limited in some improper circumstances. This study hypothesized that the prepared acetylated whey protein (AWP) could be alternative to NAC. This study designed to investigate the impact of iron overload on the structure and function of the respiratory system in mammals, regardless of the mechanism behind the iron accumulation. The study aims to identify food supplemented compound that is at least as effective as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in mitigating or preventing the risks associated with high doses or prolonged exposure of NAC. Albino male rats were used as animal model. Forty-eight rats were randomized selected equally and divided into four groups. treated groups were intoxicated by iron dextran interperitoneally. Two groups were orally supplemented with N-Acetylcysteine and Acetylated whey protein individually. The pulmonary histopathological examinations and biochemical markers were done. Reduced glutathione, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde as oxidative stress markers. Lung tissue Ferritin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured. All oxidative stress markers were significantly improved with both NAC and AWP groups especially AWP group. Tissue ferritin and VEGF exhibited significant improvement in the lung tissue. Acetylated whey protein can play crucial chelation therapeutic role of intoxicated individuals with iron as supplement in safe and no effects for short- or long-term treatment.