The Corrosive Esophageal Injury Induced by NaOH and the Possible Protective Role of Kefir in Adult Albino Rat: A Histological and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Gaber, Noha; Mahmoud, Nesma Kamal; Abd El Hamied, Hemmat Abd El Kader; Shokry, Yossif; Shawky, Sara

doi:10.21608/asmj.2025.389585.1458

The Corrosive Esophageal Injury Induced by NaOH and the Possible Protective Role of Kefir in Adult Albino Rat: A Histological and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain shams University, Cairo, Egypt

² Anatomy & Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/asmj.2025.389585.1458

Abstract

Background: Corrosive substances' impact on the esophagus is a significant health concern, with an acute onset of mucosal injury. Kefir has antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties.
Aim of the Work: To study the potential protective effect of kefir on the esophageal injury induced by NaOH in adult male albino rats.
Material and Methods: Twenty-five adult male albino rats were randomized into: Group I (10 rats) was subdivided equally into: IA, negative control, IB received one ml of kefir once daily orally for seven days; group II (5 rats) received one ml of 5% NaOH orally and were sacrificed after one day. Group III (5 rats) received 1 mL of 5% NaOH orally and were left for 7 days. Group IV (5 rats): One ml of 5% NaOH was administered orally, and then one ml of kefir was administered once daily for seven days. Some esophageal specimens were processed and stained with H&E and Masson’s Trichrome, and others were processed for scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was done for some parameters.
Results: The corrosive esophagitis group (II) showed a loss of mucosal folds, thinning, and separation of the esophageal layers. The spontaneous healing group (III) displayed preservation of all layers, along with short mucosal folds, thin epithelium, and congested blood vessels. The kefir-treated group presented intact mucosal layers and preserved mucosal folds, with continuous keratin.
Conclusion: Kefir supplementation may contribute to better control of corrosive esophageal injury, thereby reducing the risk of esophageal stricture.

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