Effect of Kefir Extract against Sodium Hydroxide Induced Corrosive Esophageal Injury in Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract

efir is a fermented milk beverage produced by the action of a complex mixture of microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. It has certainly been shown to contain various functional properties such as antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, probiotic and others. It provides healthful benefits in the cholesterol lowering effects and improved lactose tolerance. The esophageal burns caused by corrosive substances are of great importance since serious pathologies such as mucosal burns in esophagus, ulcer and perforation may occur. The present work aimed to investigate the effect of sodium hydroxide on the histology of the esophagus of the adult male albino rats and evaluate the possible curative role of kefir. Thirty-Six adult male albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomized into four groups: The control group was further subdivided into two subgroups (I a served as a negative control, I b received one ml of kefir once daily orally), the corrosive esophagitis group (rats received one ml of 5% NaOH orally and sacrificed on the same day), spontaneous healing group (rats received one ml of 5% NaOH orally for seven days) and the kefir treated group was further subdivided into two subgroups (IV a