Gut Health Improvements Linked to Probiotic Use in Chronic Kidney Disease

Greg Howard
4th June, 2024

Gut Health Improvements Linked to Probiotic Use in Chronic Kidney Disease

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Nanjing Agricultural University explored the effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in rats
  • BL21 significantly improved gut microbial populations, increasing microbial richness and beneficial bacteria
  • The probiotic intervention reduced harmful uremic toxins in the blood, such as IS, IAA, and TMAO, in CKD rats
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects millions worldwide, often leading to systemic inflammation and a host of complications, including cardiovascular disease and bone disorders. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of gut microbiota dysbiosis—an imbalance in the microbial communities within the intestines—in exacerbating these issues. The study conducted by Nanjing Agricultural University[1] provides new insights into how dietary probiotic interventions might offer a solution. Gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, playing crucial roles in digestion, immunity, and overall health. Dysbiosis in CKD patients leads to impaired gut barrier function, allowing harmful substances, known as uremic toxins, to enter the bloodstream. These toxins, including indoxyl sulphate (IS), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), are linked to various CKD-related complications. Previous studies have shown that these toxins contribute significantly to systemic inflammation and further kidney damage[2][3]. The study from Nanjing Agricultural University aimed to explore the potential of the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 in modulating gut microbiota and reducing metabolic disorders in a CKD rat model. Over six weeks, the researchers administered a dietary regimen of BL21 and conducted extensive analyses, including serum uremic toxin quantification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, to profile gut microbial changes at the phylogenetic level. The findings were promising. BL21 intervention significantly ameliorated CKD-induced disruptions in gut microbial populations, enhancing both microbial richness and the relative abundance of key taxa. Notably, BL21 modulated the abundance of crucial species such as Barnesiella and Helicobacter, which are believed to play roles in maintaining gut health. Functionally, the intervention markedly normalized serum levels of IS, IAA, and TMAO, while potentially attenuating concentrations of other harmful compounds like p-cresol sulphate (PCS) and p-cresol glucuronide (PCG). These results align with earlier findings that gut microbiota is involved in the metabolism of uremic solutes and that dysbiosis can lead to increased levels of these harmful compounds in CKD patients[3][4]. The study also builds on previous research showing that systemic inflammation in CKD is associated with intestinal dysbiosis and bacterial translocation[2]. By restoring microbial balance, BL21 appears to mitigate these harmful processes, underscoring the potential of probiotic strategies in CKD management. In conclusion, the study by Nanjing Agricultural University offers compelling evidence that dietary probiotics, particularly Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21, can effectively modulate gut microbiota and reduce the accumulation of uremic toxins in CKD. This intervention could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at re-establishing gut microbiota equilibrium and mitigating CKD-related complications.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Reduction in Serum Concentrations of Uremic Toxins Driven by Bifidobacterium Longum Subsp. Longum BL21 is Associated with Gut Microbiota Changes in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease

Published 3rd June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-024-10293-5

Related Studies

2) Intestinal Dysbiosis, Barrier Dysfunction, and Bacterial Translocation Account for CKD-Related Systemic Inflammation.

https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2015111285

3) Evaluation of the impact of gut microbiota on uremic solute accumulation by a CE-TOFMS-based metabolomics approach.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2017.02.011

4) Role of the Gut Microbiome in Uremia: A Potential Therapeutic Target.

https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2015.09.027


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