Effects of goat milk kefir fortified with vitamin D3 on Interleukin-18 levels in diabetic rats

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.