Histol Histopathol. 2026 May 18:25094. doi: 10.14670/HH-25-094. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The study investigates the potential protective effects of kefir consumption against cardiovascular disturbances induced by high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in juvenile rats. Cardiopulmonary vascular diseases and insulin resistance are closely related, particularly in individuals exposed to high-fructose diets. The study used a Wistar rat model to examine histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in cardiac and pulmonary artery tissues following HFCS exposure. The rats were divided into four groups: Control, Kefir, HFCS, and HFCS+Kefir. The feeding period for all rats was eight weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on the tissues. HFCS consumption led to significant endothelial damage, inflammatory cell migration, and metabolic deregulation, as evidenced by increased levels of TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-6, VEGF-A, and ET-1. Kefir supplementation effectively alleviated these pathological alterations by modulating inflammatory markers and reducing tissue damage. The study provides evidence that HFCS consumption induces significant cardiopulmonary disorders by promoting endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic deregulation. Kefir supplementation demonstrated substantial protective effects against these pathological alterations, possibly through its anti-inflammatory and microbiota-modulating properties.
PMID:42165119 | DOI:10.14670/HH-25-094