International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 6 authors, 6 centres
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This study assessed the effects of bee pollen and whey protein supplementation on adrenal gland structure and corticosterone levels in running and non-running rats. It found that both supplements were associated with lower urinary corticosterone in non-running rats and changes in adrenal histology, but the clinical relevance for humans is indirect and requires further study.
Stress activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to adrenal gland responses. Bee pollen and whey protein are supplements with reported health benefits, and this study explored their potential anti-stress effects by examining adrenal histology and corticosterone in a rat model of physical activity. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=5 each): non-running control, running control, non-running + whey protein, non-running + bee pollen, running + whey protein, and running + bee pollen. After 8 weeks, adrenal glands were histologically analyzed for vacuolization, fibrosis, nuclear changes, and sinusoid architecture. Urine and fecal corticosterone were measured via ELISA. Key Results: Adrenal gland mass and cortical layer thickness showed no significant differences. However, significant differences were observed in nuclear diameter, sinusoid width, and the percentage of pyknotic nuclei. Both supplements were associated with a lower percentage of pyknotic nuclei in non-running rats. Urinary corticosterone concentrations varied significantly; non-running supplemented rats had lower levels than non-running controls, while running supplemented rats had higher levels than running controls. No significant changes were found in fecal corticosterone. Limitations: The study used a small sample size, and urine collection from metabolic cages may have induced additional stress. The findings are from a preclinical animal model and cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.
