Evaluation Of The Efficacy of a Strain-Specific Probiotic Formulation in Hemodialysis Patients

Background:

Insulin resistance (IR) and its associated metabolic disorders are common features of chronic kidney disease (CKD)and accumulating evidence suggested they are important contributors for the cardiovascular burden of CKD patients. In recent years, the modification of the intestinal flora and activation of inflammation pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of IR in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. These important discoveries have led to major advances in understanding the mechanisms of uraemia-induced IR. Furthermore, recent studies show impairment of the intestinal barrier and renal function function as well as changes in the composition of the gut microbiome can contribute to the prevailing inflammation, and gut-derived uremic toxins. Some of these uraemic toxins have been linked to the pathogenesis of IR.

Probiotics is one of the functional foods believed to mediate their health promoting activities through modulating the composition of the gut health. Ingestion of probiotics has been shown not only to influence gut microbiota composition but also the secretion of the gut hormones that ameliorate insulin resistance in animal models. Limited trials in human also showed that supplementation with probiotic not only affect glucose homeostasis, but improved other diabetes related comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. It also increasing clear that many of the multifactorial physiological functions of gut bacteria are highly strain specific, preselection of appropriate probiotic strains based on their expression of functional biomarkers is critical

Objectives and hypotheses:

To address this research gap, this randomized controlled trial is proposed to determine the efficacy of probiotic formulation to improve metabolic profile and reduction of uremic toxins through modulating gut microbiota composition and gut immune function in hemodialysis patients.The investigators hypothesized that the probiotic supplementations will improve blood glucose control as well as other related metabolic aberrations and lower the levels of gut-derived uremic toxins.

Methodology:

This is a single center, double blind randomized parallel group control trial with 6 months probiotic formulation with strain specific lactobacillus or placebo. After screening the eligible subjects will be selected. Then, after consent taking and 4 weeks of washout period, participants will be randomly assigned to either receive probiotic formulation or placebo for 6 months. Measurements of blood parameters including glycemic control related parameters, lipid profile, nutritional markers, inflammatory markers and uremic toxins. Nutritional assessments, quality of life assessment and anthropometry measurements will take place at baseline, and after 24 months.

Inclusion criteria

• Both sexes aged between 20-75 years.
• Received stable hemodialysis at least 3 months.
• Written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• patients with severe infections, severe heart disease and liver disease, malignancy, autoimmune disorders, severe malnutrition, or clinical conditions requiring oral nutrition supplements;
• Inability to follow protocol.
• patients with known gastro-intestinal disease (i.e.,inflammatory bowel disease,crohn's disease,ulcerative colitis)
• Use of antibiotics, prebiotics or probiotics and immunosuppression medications in the past 4 weeks
• Pregnancy or wishing/trying to get pregnant