Initial Trial of Probiotic Bacteria as Therapy for Uremia in Dogs
P Ranganathan, MS, MT ASCP 1, J Marczely, BS 1, R Dheer, BA 1, B Patel, PhD 1, N Ranganathan, PhD* 1, E A Friedman, MD* 2 and J A Thornhill, DVM DACVIM 3.
1 Kibow Biotech Inc., Phila, PA, United States ; 2 Dept. of Med., Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States and 3 Vet.Med., Vet.Specialty Center, Buffalo Grove, IL, United States
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 15: Oct 2004 pp. 768A PUB033
Kibow Biotech is currently evaluating formulations of non-pathogenic bacteria, termed probiotics to devise a treatment applicable to humans with renal insufficiency. Sources for these microbes include dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Our first generation formulation (patented and proprietary as KibowbioticsTM) is composed of L. acidophilus, S. thermophilus and B. Longum (amounting to a total of approx: 109 to 1010 CFU/gm). Based on in vitro studies employing synthetic AIF fortified with uremic solutes this initial formulation induces decreases in concentrations of urea, creatinine, indols and phenols.
Thus far, trials in 5/6th nephrectomized rats and mini pigs demonstrated suggestive but not conclusive evidence that KibowbioticsTM will reduce nitrogenous waste levels in the uremic syndrome. Presently, a trial is in progress in two adult dogs with advanced renal insufficiency under the care of a canine nephrologist. Dog A began treatment with enteric coated gelcaps (6/day)on May 4, 2004, is 3 years old with kidney disease of unclear etiology, has azotemia with blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations of 182 and 8.2 mg/dl respectively) and a calculated creatinine clearance of 5.9 ml/min. Dog B, began treatment with enteric coated gelcaps (4/day) on May 20, 2004. who is age 13 years with renal insufficiency of recent origin, is azotemic with blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations of 95 and 6.3mg/dl respectively and a calculated creatinine clearance of 5.5 ml/min. During monthly visits, measurements of blood nitrogenous waste levels, hemoglobin, and serum albumin concentration, the course of both dogs is being monitored on treatment with KibowbioticsTM. Although uncontrolled, our initial trial of probiotics in uremic dogs, should the outcome be favorable, will encourage further development of the concept with the objective of devising treatment for the 5 out of 6 people worldwide presently unable to receive either dialysis or kidney transplantation for ESRD because of economic constraints.
