The early anti-inflammatory effect of Kefir in experimental corrosive esophagitis.

AIM Corrosive esophageal burns are still an important problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of kefir in an experimental corrosive esophagitis model. MATERIAL AND METHOD Twenty-four male wistar albino rats were used in this experimental study. The rats were randomized into three groups according to the procedure and treatment type (each group has eight rats). Group I: (Control group), Group II: (Induction of corrosive esophagitis with 5 % NaOH without any treatment) and Group III: (Corrosive esophagitis treated with kefir). The rats were sacrificed on the first and seventh days. Mediastinum and abdominal cavity of rats were explorated. Approximately 1.5 cm of esophagus was removed for histopathological examination. Inflammation, injury in the muscularis mucosa and collagen deposition were evaluated. RESULTS Histopathological results on the first day after caustic injury; inflammation was detected in three rats in Group II and there were no inflammation in rats in Group III. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Injury in muscularis mucosa was detected in three rats in Group II and in one rat in Group III. Histopathological results on the seventh days after caustic injury; Inflammation was positive in four rats in Group II and three rats in Group III. Injury in muscularis mucosa was equal in two groups (three rats each). Collagen deposition with high grade (Grade 2) was detected in two rats in Group II and in four rats in Group III (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Kefir has anti-inflammatory effect specially in early phase of caustic injury. It has also some beneficial effect in wound healing.