Probiotics Extend Survival in Untreated 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats: Possible Use for Probiotics as An Adjunct in Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)
Stephen R. Dunn¹, Joseph Marczely², Pari Ranganathan², Michael L. Simenhoff¹, Eli A. Friedman³
¹Dept. of Medicine, Div. of Nephrology, Thomas Jefferson University,Phila. PA, ²Kibow Biotech Inc, Phila. PA, ³Dept. of Medicine, SUNY Brooklyn Health Science Center, New York, NY, USA
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 14: Nov 2003 pp. 765A SU-PO1042
Previously (ASN-A0750, 1998; A1666, 2000), we reported use of L. acidophilus (NCFMTM) fed to dialysis patients reduced uremic toxins and showed improved nutritional status (9-10% increase in daily caloric intake and 1.6% increase in BMI (p<0.05) with no side effects. Our current pilot blinded study uses a rat model of CRF (5/6th nephrectomy) to test 6 non-pathogenic microorganisms (MO) for possible use in a probiotic product. Sixty rats from Charles River Labs (CRL) had 5/6th nephrectomies performed at CRL. Baseline creatinine (Scr), BUN were measured, and Cr clearance calculated. Rats (18M, 18F) with sufficient renal impairment; (Scr=1.0±0.4) were distributed into six matched groups (GP).
ANOVA showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.516) at baseline. Rats were individually caged and fed a special diet beginning at day 30 supplemented with a particular MO additive (chart below) daily for up to 126 days. Periodic BW, Scr, BUN and CrCl were measured. A control group of non-nephrectomized (n=7; Scr=0.2±0.1) received the same food without any supplement. None of them died (Scr at end=0.5±0.1). Days of survival was the primary endpoint variable. Study was ended at day 156.
A Kaplan-Meier plot and biochemical measurements were reported. A significant difference between the diets was detected (p=0.03751; 1-sided Fisher test). Diets D and C appeared to be more effective than G, B and F (p<0.05). This pilot study suggests that a probiotic containing either or both B. pasteurii and L. sporogenesappear capable of increasing survival in otherwise untreated uremic rats. Furhter study is warranted with large numbers and added functional, biochemical and possible histological measurements.
Funding source: SBIR Phase I and II; Disclosure Grants/Research Support: Kibow Biotech Inc.; Scientific Advisor: Kibow Biotech Inc.
Survival in Groups of Mice Receiving Oral Diet Supplements Containing Non-Pathogenic Microorganisms
