Comparison of the anti-tumoral effects of kefir with buffalo and cow yogurt on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in mice

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the possible anti-tumorigenic effects of Anatolian water buffalo and cow yogurts supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and kefir on the development colon cancer (CC) in the mouse model induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). A total of 440, eight weeks-old, BALB/c male mice were used in the experiment. Mice were allocated into five (05) main groups and further 22 subgroups (20 mice/group). Animals were administered DMH subcutaneously @ 20mg/kg body weight on weekly basis for 12 weeks. In experimental groups, dairy products were given either before DMH administration, simultaneously or after the tumor formation. Tumors were evaluated by the intensity of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, apoptosis and p53 status. Anatolian water buffalo yogurt supplemented with L. rhamnosus showed statistically significant (P<0.05) antitumorigenic effects than the other dairy products used (Anatolian water buffalo yogurt supplemented with L. plantarum, cow yogurt supplemented with L. plantarum or L. rhamnosus and kefir). Hence it was concluded that timely consumption of dairy products (buffalo or cow yogurt supplemented with probiotics, or kefir) have the potential either to prevent or decrease the malignancy of CC.