Probiotics against kidney stones

Scientists at Boston University, working under the guidance of Professor David Kaufman, have found that the presence of non-pathogenic bacteria Oxalobacter formigenes in the body reduces the risk of kidney stones by 70%.

Kidney stone disease is a serious problem in many countries of the world. For example, for the US population, the risk of kidney stones formation during life is 5-15%, and the risk of relapse of the disease is 30-50%.

Up to 80% of kidney stones consist mainly of calcium oxalate, and the content of oxalates in urine is the main risk factor for the formation of stones. O.formigenes bacteria break down oxalates in the digestive tract and are part of the normal microflora of many adults.

The authors collected data on 247 patients with recurrent kidney stone disease living in Boston (Massachusetts) and Durham (North Carolina), and compared them with the indicators of the control group, which included 259 individuals selected by gender, age and place of residence. The information was obtained during interviews and from questionnaires filled out by the study participants. Colonization of the intestines of O.formigenes was evaluated by culturing stool samples. The amount of oxalates excreted from the body within 24 hours and other indicators of the risk of developing kidney stones were determined in 139 patients and 137 members of the control group. At the same time, in the experimental group, the predominance of O.formigenes was detected in 17% of cases, and in the control group – in 38% of cases.

Thus, a strong inverse relationship was revealed between colonization of the intestine of O.formigenes and the probability of formation of kidney stones from calcium oxalate, which corresponds to a 70% reduction in the risk of developing the disease. The authors believe that their discovery has great clinical significance. They are currently exploring the possibility of using O.formigenes bacteria as preventive probiotics.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily

11.03.2008