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Fermentation Status Dictates Organ-Selective Protection of a Millet-Based Dairy Beverage Against Sub-Chronic Lead
Amel A Ibrahim1, Hala A Hafez2, Samar M Aborhyem3
1Department of Dairy Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21545, Egypt. amal.ibrahim@alexu.edu.eg.
Biological Trace Element Research
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Fermentation alters millet beverages, shifting their protection against lead toxicity. Unfermented millet milk benefits the brain and liver, while fermented versions protect the kidneys and reduce inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Sub-chronic lead (Pb) exposure causes multi-organ damage via oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Dietary interventions offer protection but often lack organ specificity.
- Investigating targeted nutritional strategies against heavy metal toxicity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if fermenting a millet-based beverage differentially affects its protective efficacy against Pb-induced organ injury.
- To compare the effects of fermented (F-Mix, FSM) and unfermented (UFMM) millet beverages on Pb toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were exposed to lead acetate for 8 weeks.
- Rats received either F-Mix, FSM, or UFMM beverages.
- Evaluated hematological, hepatic, renal, inflammatory (TNF-α), hippocampal oxidative stress (Nrf2, GSH, SOD, CAT), and histopathological parameters.
Main Results:
- Pb exposure induced significant toxicity, including reduced hemoglobin, elevated creatinine and BUN, increased TNF-α, depleted hippocampal antioxidants, and impaired organ histology.
- Unfermented malted millet milk (UFMM) significantly attenuated hippocampal Nrf2 depletion and restored GSH, preserving hepatic architecture.
- Fermented mix (F-Mix) significantly reduced serum TNF-α, creatinine, and BUN, preserving renal tubular integrity.
- Fermented skimmed milk (FSM) and F-Mix showed superior renal protection; UFMM was more effective in the liver and brain.
Conclusions:
- Fermentation critically redirects the organ-protective effects of millet-based beverages against lead toxicity.
- Unfermented millet milk preferentially activates Nrf2-mediated antioxidant pathways in the brain and liver.
- Fermentation shifts protective effects toward the kidneys and systemic inflammation, suggesting targeted nutritional interventions are possible.
