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

Abstract

Abstract Background Ingestion of corrosive substances and its long-term effect on the gastrointestinal system especially the esophagus is considered as an important public health issue in spite of the multiple efforts to educate the public. Mucosal injury begins within minutes of caustic ingestion. Kefir extract is fermented milk, produced from grains that comprise a specific and complex mixture of bacteria and yeasts that live in a symbiotic association, this symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast forms “grains” that resemble cauliflower. The grains are soft, gelatinous white biological mass, compromised of proteins, lipids and soluble polysaccharide that surround bacteria and yeast. It is prepared by inoculating cow, goat, or sheep milk with kefir grains for about 24 hours at room temperature. Aim of the Work The aim of the present work was to investigate the possible curative role of kefir on the structure of esophageal mucosa when injured after corrosive agent. Material and Methods Thirty 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 and left for seven days) and the kefir treated group (rats received one ml of 5% NaOH orally and then received one ml of kefir once daily orally for seven days). At the end of experiment, rats were euthanized, and esophageal specimens were processed into paraffin blocks for light microscopic examination and other specimens were processed into scanning electron microscopic examination. Results The general cellular morphology of the esophageal mucosa after NAOH administration was greatly affected. Erosions of the epithelial covering with shedding of the epithelial cells in the lumen, loss of keratin layer, and massive lymphocyte infiltration were noticed in the lamina propria. Kefir treated group for seven days showed histopathological findings mostly normalized compared with corrosive esophagitis group; normal appearance of the surface mucosa was detected with restoration of keratin layer and reduced inflammatory cell infiltrate and vascular congestion were observed. Conclusion NAOH is capable of producing injury to esophageal mucosa. The present study showed a novel and favorable effect of kefir on the structure and function of the esophageal mucosa.