Abstract

Evaluation of Biological Properties, Health Benefits and Protective Effects of Kefir against Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity Induced by Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) In Vivo

Author(s): IB Amara*, HB Saad, B Cherif, N Ktari, N Kharrat, N Smichi, T Boudawara, RB Salah and N Miled

Kefir is a beverage made from milk and considered as a probiotic due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to explore the ability of fermented kefir to improve the adverse effects induced by Butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT) in the blood, liver and renal tissues of rats. Adult Rats were exposed during 21 days either to BHT, Kefir and BHT. BHT treatment resulted in the disruption of hematological parameters. In fact, a genotoxic effect on white blood cells was evidenced by a significant increase in the micronuclei frequency and a decrease in cells viability as well as a significant change in plasma biochemical parameters. Our results also demonstrated important alterations in the liver and kidney expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. These modifications were substantiated by histopathological data. Interestingly, fermented kefir restored these parameters to near control values.