EFFECT OF A MIXTURE OF CHITOSAN AND WHEY POWDER ON BLOOD NITROGEN BALANCE AND AMINO ACID PROFILE

ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 1440 UDC: 577.115.3:636.087.7 EFFECT OF A MIXTURE OF CHITOSAN AND WHEY POWDER ON BLOOD NITROGEN BALANCE AND AMINO ACID PROFILE Rahmonov Farhod Kholbayevich Assistant, Zarmed University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan E-mail: farxod1313[email protected]m Xolmurodov Sherbek Sherzodovich Student, Zarmed University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan E-mail: xol[email protected]m ABSTRACT. The article presents a scientific analysis of the effects of the combined use of chitosan and whey powder on protein metabolism parameters, blood nitrogen balance, and the profile of free amino acids in plasma. The aim of the study is to elucidate the mechanisms by which this mixture influences metabolic processes. As methods, an analysis of scientific publications from the last decade, the authors’ own experimental observations, and approaches to the assessment of metabolic indicators were used. The results showed that the chitosan–whey mixture can increase nitrogen retention, optimize amino acid absorption, and enhance protein synthesis. This combination is characterized as a promising bioregulator that supports anabolic processes. Keywords: chitosan, whey, nitrogen balance, amino acids, anabolism, protein synthesis. INTRODUCTION. Protein metabolism is one of the key processes that ensure the regenerative, energetic, and physiological stability of the organism. The integral indicator of this process is the nitrogen balance, which is based on the ratio between the amount of nitrogen consumed and excreted. A positive nitrogen balance indicates the predominance of anabolic processes in the organism, whereas a negative balance indicates enhanced catabolism [2; 3; 5; 7]. In recent years, scientific studies have increasingly reported that the combined use of chitosan and whey protein may exert a synergistic effect on metabolic processes. Whey protein contains a high proportion of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine, valine), which activate the mTOR pathway, one of the main stimulators of muscle anabolism [1; 4; 6; 9]. Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that improves amino acid transport in the intestinal mucosa, enhances retention processes, and, by creating a favorable chemical environment for proteolytic enzymes, optimizes protein degradation [8; 10; 11; 12]. The present study aims to provide a scientifically grounded analysis of the effect of the chitosan– whey mixture on nitrogen balance and the amino acid profile. METHODS. The study was carried out using the following methodology. Literature analysis. More than 40 scientific articles published between 2010 and 2024 in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were analyzed. The criteria for selecting materials were: – studies on chitosan and amino acid absorption; – works on the anabolic activity of whey protein; – experimental data related to nitrogen balance and metabolic processes. Experimental approach. ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 1441 In the authors’ own experimental observations, the following biochemical indicators were assessed: – total nitrogen (TN) in blood; – blood urea nitrogen (BUN); – the composition of free amino acids in plasma (HPLC analysis); – molecular markers of protein synthesis: activity of mTOR and phosphorylation of p70S6K. Criteria of analysis. Changes in metabolic parameters were evaluated using the following criteria: – nitrogen retention (%); – changes in BCAA concentration; – relative index of protein synthesis rate; – activity of catabolic processes. RESULTS. 1. Changes in nitrogen balance. When the chitosan–whey mixture was consumed, nitrogen retention increased on average by 20–30%. The decrease in BUN confirmed that more nitrogen was being retained in the organism. This is associated with more efficient absorption of amino acids in the intestine and a reduction in their loss through oxidation. 2. Effect on the amino acid profile. In subjects receiving the mixture, a significant increase in plasma BCAA concentration was observed: – leucine: +35–40% – isoleucine: +22% – valine: +18% In addition, an increase in glutamine, alanine, arginine, and ornithine levels indicated an enhancement of metabolic activity. 3. Protein synthesis indices. Activation of the mTOR pathway was recorded as follows: – mTOR activity: +30% – phosphorylation of p70S6K: +25% – protein synthesis rate: +20–28% These results are explained by the rapid absorption of whey and the optimization of transport processes by chitosan, which together form a general synergistic effect. DISCUSSION. The obtained results confirm that the mixture of chitosan and whey exerts a synergistic effect on metabolic processes. Strengthening of transport mechanisms in the intestine under the influence of chitosan leads to an increase in the bioavailability of amino acids. The rise in BCAA levels directly promotes the intensification of anabolic processes in muscle tissue. Activation of the mTOR–p70S6K signaling pathway results in an acceleration of protein synthesis, which supports metabolic processes associated with anabolism, regeneration, and an increase in muscle mass. By slowing protein degradation, chitosan reduces catabolic stress, thereby ensuring a more economical utilization of nitrogen. Furthermore, the recorded increase in arginine and ornithine indicates the stabilization of the urea cycle. This ensures the course of metabolic reactions without the accumulation of toxic products. The data obtained show that this combination has high scientific and practical significance for use in sports physiology, veterinary medicine, clinical nutrition, and diet therapy. CONCLUSION. It has been established that a mixture of chitosan and whey powder is a promising bioregulator that positively modifies blood nitrogen balance and amino acid profile and exerts a synergistic influence on metabolic processes. The mixture improves intestinal absorption of amino ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 1442 acids, increases nitrogen retention, elevates BCAA concentrations, and markedly enhances protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway. The results indicate that this combination has practical value for stimulating anabolism and accelerating regeneration processes. REFERENCES 1. Rinaudo M. Chitin and chitosan: Properties and applications // Progress in Polymer Science. – 2006. – Vol. 31. – P. 603–632. 2. Hoffman J. 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