EFFECT OF WHEY PROTEIN ON HEPATIC NITROGEN METABOLISM: MOLECULAR–METABOLIC MECHANISMS OF AMINO ACID TRANSAMINATION AND UREA CYCLE FUNCTION

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of whey protein in hepatic nitrogen metabolism, with particular emphasis on amino acid transamination and the molecular and metabolic bases of the urea (ornithine) cycle. Whey protein has a high biological value; its rapid digestion and balanced amino acid composition make it an effective modulator that enhances aminotransferase activity, stimulates glutamate and glutamine synthesis, and accelerates detoxification of ammonia in the form of urea. Experimental data indicate that moderate intake of whey protein improves the energetic state of hepatocytes, optimizes amino acid metabolism, and stabilizes nitrogen balance.