Efeitos do Quefir no perfil lipídico, estresse oxidativo e aterosclerose de camundongos deficientes de apolipoproteína E

Abstract

The search for prevention and control for atherosclerosis, as well as its risk factors, has great clinical relevance, because this is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Thus, there is a strong effort to identify natural compounds that act as protective agents. In this context, kefir, a fermented drink generated by the action of kefir grains (a mixture of bacteria and yeasts grouped in a polysaccharide matrix), was the object of study, since popular consumption claims several health benefits, some already reported in the literature. The present study investigated the effects of aqueous kefir (solution of brown sugar), a form commonly consumed, in the development of atherosclerosis and its risk factors (lipid metabolism and oxidative stress). For this, kefir was administered to ApoE-/- mice, fed by a commercial diet, for 4 weeks. The animals were divided into Control group and Kefir group, which received kefir (50g kefir grains / 1L brown sugars solution) to replace the water. Ingestion of kefir was able to increase serum levels of HDL, resulting in lower atherogenic index. In addition, kefir promoted reduction of serum triglycerides and increasing those in the liver. Lipid peroxidation and catalase activity in the liver was decreased in the Kefir group. In contrast, the kefir did not affect the serum concentration of anti-oxidized LDL in ApoE-/-, indirect measurement of LDL oxidation. The areas of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic valve and thoracic and abdominal aorta were similar between groups. The lesions showed a large accumulation of macrophages, shown by immunohistochemistry, but also with a similar percentage area between the groups. Thus, the results lead us to conclude that although some risk factors for atherosclerosis improved with the ingestion of kefir for 4 weeks, this effect was not strong enough to alter the diseases course at the root of the aortic valve or at the aortic specifically.