Background:
Bacterial metabolism contributes to the generation of uremic toxins in patients
with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been investigated the use of probiotics in the reduction
of uremic toxins intestinal production.
Objective:
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on reducing
the production of uremic toxins and the inflammatory profile of CKD patients.
Methods:
We performed a randomized, blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study on patients with
CKD stages 3 and 4. The intervention was a probiotic formulation composed of Lactobacillus
acidophilus strains given orally three times a day for 3 months. Changes in uremic toxins
(p-Cresylsulfate and Indoxyl Sulfate) and serum inflammatory cytokines were the primary endpoints.
Results:
Of the 44 patients randomized, 25 completed the study (mean age 51 ± 9.34, 64% female,
mean eGFR 36 ± 14.26 mL/min/1.73m², mean BMI 28.5 ± 5.75 kg/m²). At 3 months, there were no
significant changes in any of the studied biomarkers including p-cresylsulfate (p = 0.57), Indoxyl sulfate
(p = 0.08) and interleukin-6 (p = 0.55).
Conclusion:
Lactobacillus acidophilus strains given as probiotic were not able to reduce serum levels
of uremic toxins and biomarkers of inflammation in CKD patients in stage 3 and 4.
