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Milk-Derived Kefir Improves Cardiac Function in Female Rats Subjected to Myocardial Infarction
Ávila Iglesias Caliari1, Juarez Henrique Ferreira1, Licia Cristina Silva de Lima Oliveira1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University-UVV, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
Insights
Kefir consumption improved heart function and reduced damage after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. This fermented milk may aid cardiac recovery by lowering blood pressure and oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Nutritional Science
- Investigating the cardioprotective potential of fermented dairy products.
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), represent a significant global health challenge.
- Kefir, a probiotic-rich fermented milk, shows promise for cardiovascular health, but its effects post-MI require further study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of chronic kefir administration on cardiac function and remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction.
- To assess kefir's impact on hemodynamic parameters, infarct size, collagen deposition, and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Female Wistar rats underwent sham operation or myocardial infarction (MI) induced by coronary artery ligation.
- Animals received daily treatments of either vehicle or kefir for 60 days.
- Cardiac function, hemodynamic parameters, infarct area, collagen, oxidative stress markers (AOPP), and organ morphology were assessed.
Main Results:
- Kefir treatment significantly reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), infarct size, and collagen deposition.
- Hemodynamic improvements included reduced blood pressures and increased heart rate.
- Oxidative stress was attenuated, with lower levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP).
Conclusions:
- Chronic kefir consumption demonstrates cardioprotective effects in a rat model of myocardial infarction.
- Kefir improves cardiac function, reduces adverse remodeling, and mitigates oxidative stress post-MI.
- Results suggest kefir as a potential adjunctive therapy for enhancing cardiac recovery after MI.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases remain a major global health burden, with myocardial infarction (MI) being a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability. Kefir, a fermented milk beverage rich in probiotic and bioactive compounds, has demonstrated cardioprotective effects in experimental models of hypertension. However, its effects in MI induced by coronary artery ligation remain poorly understood. This study investigated the impact of chronic kefir administration on cardiac function and remodeling in female Wistar rats subjected to MI. Animals were allocated to three groups: sham-operated (S), infarct vehicle-treated (IV), and infarct kefir-treated (IK). Treatments were administered daily for 60 days. Hemodynamic parameters, infarct area, collagen deposition, oxidative stress markers, and morphometric changes were evaluated. Chronic kefir treatment significantly reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), infarct area, and collagen deposition in infarcted animals. Kefir also improved hemodynamic parameters by reducing systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures while increasing heart rate. In addition, oxidative stress was attenuated, as evidenced by lower levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). No evidence of systemic toxicity or organ hypertrophy was observed. These findings suggest that milk-derived kefir exerts cardioprotective effects by improving hemodynamic function, attenuating adverse cardiac remodeling, and reducing oxidative stress. Collectively, the results support the potential of kefir as an adjunctive strategy for improving cardiac recovery following MI.
