Search

Hyperglycemia causes increased oxidative stress through an imbalance of reactive oxygen species and antioxidative mechanisms. It stimulates the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines such as TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-18. Goat milk kefir and vitamin D3 have potential as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that can repair damage to pancreatic β cells. This study analyzed the effects of goat milk kefir fortified with vitamin D3 on the IL-18 level in diabetic rats. An experimental randomized pre-post test with control group design was conducted on 20 male Wistar rats divided into four groups, namely negative control (K-), positive control (K+), treatment with unfortified kefir (P1), and treatment with kefir fortified with vitamin D3. The intervention lasted 34 days. Fasting blood glucose and IL-18 levels were measured before and after intervention. Blood glucose and IL-18 levels were analyzed using the glucose oxidase p-aminophenol method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. No significant increase in the IL-18 level was found in the P1 group with a median of 56.5 (10–252.7) pg/mL to 148.2 (106.8–428.3) pg/mL (p = 0.465) or P2 group with a median of 117.3 (91.8–146.8) pg/mL to 246.7 (168.8–311) pg/mL (p = 0.068), and no significant increase was observed in blood glucose levels in the P1 group (366.9±134.8 mg/dL to 462.1±156.9 mg/dL, p = 0.357) or P2 group (415.0±203.8 mg/dL to 258±129 mg/dL, p = 0.463). Goat milk kefir fortified with vitamin D3 could maintain blood glucose and IL-18 levels.