Deltamethrine (DLM) is a synthetic
pyrethroid with broad spectrum activities against
acaricides and insects. Widely used for agricultural and veterinary purposes, its human and animal exposure occurs by ingestion of contaminated water and food and leads to serious health problems. Kefir is fermented milk with numerous health favors counting restorative properties of bacterial flora, immune system stimulation,
cholesterol reduction, as well as anti-mutagenic and anti-
tumor properties. The present study was undertaken to examine the hepatoprotective and
antioxidant potential of kefir against DLM toxicity in male Wistar albino rats. DLM-treated animals revealed a significant increase in serum biochemical parameters as well as hepatic
protein and
lipid oxidations but caused an inhibition in
antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, we have observed an increase in hepatocyte
DNA damages. This toxic effect was confirmed by histological study. Kefir administration normalized the elevated serum levels of
aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total
bilirubin (T
bilirubin), and
cholesterol. It also reduced DLM-induced
protein carbonyl (PC) and
malondialdehyde (MDA) formations. Furthermore, Kefir treatment restored
catalase (CAT) and
superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The co-treatment as well as the pre-treatment by kefir showed an improvement of oxidative status as well as suppressed
inflammation and
DNA damages. However, the pre-treatment seems to be the most efficient. Therefore, it could be concluded that kefir is a natural product able to protect against the hepatotoxic effects of DLM by its
free radical-scavenging and potent
antioxidant activity.