Oral Kefir Grains Supplementation Improves Metabolism and Liver Antioxidant Enzymes Expression in Malnourished Mice

Abstract

Scope: This study has a novel approach to investigate the effects of oral supplementation of kefir grains on metabolic improvement and the expression of the antioxidant enzymes Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase (CAT) of the liver in malnourished mice. Method and Results: Swiss mice were divided into four groups and subjected to two treatment phases: the food restriction phase of 20% in relation to the control group was maintained until animals reached a weight deficit of about 20% in relation to their original weight and the renutrition phase, the animals received diets every day for 30 days. Diets (chow powder plus kefir grains) were administered orally. Thereafter, during throughout the experiment measurements of body weight and energy consumption were obtained. After the end of treatment, fasting glucose tolerance tests were performed at night and insulin sensitivity with fed mice. Soon in then, the mice were euthanized by beheading in guillotine and the blood and liver were collected for evaluation of biochemical parameters, Histopathological assessments and Reverse transcriptase (RT-PCR). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the kefir grains ability to modulate inflammation and hepatic oxidative-stress under malnourished-state. Keywords: Food Restriction; Malnutrition; Hepatic; Oxidative Stress; Nutrition