Examining the Effects of Fortified Whey Protein Enteral Nutrition on Immune Response and Infection Risk

Shakeeb Ullah; Faiqah Ramzan; Mubarik Ali; Norina Jabeen; Qamar Ullah

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i1.497

Authors

Shakeeb Ullah Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, KP, Pakistan.
Faiqah Ramzan Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, KP, Pakistan.
Mubarik Ali Animal Science Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Norina Jabeen Department of Rural Sociology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
Qamar Ullah Veterinary Research Center, Lakki Marwat, KP, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i1.497

Keywords:

Breast Cancer Surgery, Cytokine Responses, Enteral Nutrition, Immune Function, Nutritional Biomarkers

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of a fortified whey protein enteral nutrition intervention on cytokine responses, nutritional biomarkers and infection rates in patients who were following breast cancer surgery. The randomized controlled experiment had 180 patients, who were allocated into two groups: intervention group received enteral nutrition enriched with whey protein, intended to augment immune function and boost nutritional status, while the control group received normal postoperative care. The intervention yielded substantial impacts on immunological and nutritional markers. Levels of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-17 and IFN-gamma, as well as nutritional markers such as serum albumin and total protein, were evaluated at three time points: baseline, day 15 and day 30 after the surgery. The intervention group demonstrated significant elevations in cytokine levels, suggesting a strong improvement in the immune response. The nutritional indicators also showed notable enhancements, indicating improved overall nutritional well-being, which is essential for successful recuperation. Furthermore, the intervention resulted in a substantial decrease in both the frequency and intensity of surgical site infections, demonstrating its efficacy in enhancing therapeutic results. The findings indicated that the use of enriched whey protein enteral nutrition can have a substantial positive impact on the recovery of patients undergoing surgery. This is achieved by improving immune responses and raising nutritional status.

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