Probiotic Supplementation and Disease Progression in CKD: A Randomized Trial

Background & Rationale:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is associated with significant alterations in gut microbiota, leading to the production and accumulation of uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS). These toxins contribute to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and accelerated kidney disease progression, ultimately increasing cardiovascular mortality. The disruption of gut barrier function and dysbiosis are major contributing factors in CKD pathophysiology.

Probiotic supplementation has been proposed as an adjuvant therapy to modulate gut microbiota, enhance intestinal barrier integrity, and reduce systemic inflammation. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, have been shown to ferment dietary fiber, produce beneficial metabolites, and competitively inhibit harmful bacteria. Despite some promising findings, prior clinical trials have reported inconsistent results, necessitating further investigation into the efficacy of probiotics in slowing CKD progression.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to assess the impact of probiotic supplementation on renal function, systemic inflammation, and gut-derived uremic toxins in patients with moderate to severe CKD (Stages III-IV).

Study Design & Methodology This trial is a parallel-group, double-blind, randomized controlled study with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants will be recruited from the Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, and randomized into either the probiotic intervention group or the placebo control group.

Intervention Details:

Study Group: Participants will receive probiotic supplementation (Lactogemikan; Pescado Pharmaceuticals, Egypt), containing 10 billion CFU of Lactobacillus plantarum per tablet. The dose will be one tablet daily for 6 months.

Control Group: Participants will receive an identical placebo tablet for 6 months.

Both groups will be followed up for an additional 6 months after treatment cessation to evaluate any persistent effects of probiotic supplementation.

Primary & Secondary Outcomes:

The trial will measure:

Primary Outcomes:

Changes in serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinary protein levels over 12 months.

Secondary Outcomes:

Changes in systemic inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, ferritin, total cholesterol, albumin).

Alterations in gut microbiota composition, assessed by urinary indican (indoxyl sulfate) levels before and after treatment.

Evaluation of safety and tolerability of probiotic supplementation in CKD patients.

Randomization & Blinding:

Randomization: Conducted via a computerized random sequence generator.

Blinding:

Double-blinded (both participants and investigators are blinded to group assignments).

The probiotic and placebo tablets are identical in appearance, taste, and packaging.

Follow-Up & Monitoring:

Participants will be evaluated at three time points:

Baseline assessment (before treatment initiation) 6-month follow-up (after completing treatment) 12-month follow-up (6 months post-treatment cessation) At each visit, clinical, biochemical, and microbiota assessments will be conducted. Any adverse events will be documented.

Statistical Analysis Plan Data will be analyzed using R statistical software (R Core Team, 2023).

Descriptive statistics will summarize baseline characteristics. Continuous variables will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality.

Depending on normality:

Welch's t-test (normally distributed variables) Mann-Whitney U test (non-normally distributed variables) Categorical variables will be analyzed using the Chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Ethical Considerations & Regulatory Compliance Ethical Approval: The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University (IRB Code: MD.24.06.864).

Informed Consent: All participants will provide written informed consent before enrollment.

Adverse Events Reporting: Any serious adverse events (SAEs) will be immediately reported to the IRB and Ethics Committee.

Confidentiality: Participant data will be anonymized and stored securely. Significance of the Study This study aims to provide new insights into the therapeutic role of probiotics in CKD patients. If effective, probiotic supplementation may offer a low-cost, non-invasive adjunct therapy to slow kidney disease progression, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health.

By investigating the mechanistic role of probiotics in modulating gut-derived toxins, this trial may contribute to developing novel microbiome-targeted interventions in nephrology practice.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged ≥ 18 years (both males and females).
• Diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage III or IV, confirmed by eGFR.
• Stable medical condition with no recent hospitalization for acute kidney injury or other serious illnesses.
• Not currently on probiotic supplementation or prebiotic therapy.
• Willing to provide informed consent and comply with the study protocol, including clinic visits and sample collection.

Exclusion criteria

• CKD Stage I, II, or V, or on dialysis.
• Currently using probiotics or prebiotics as part of their diet or treatment.
• History of active malignancy (cancer) or undergoing chemotherapy.
• Significant gastrointestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or recent GI surgery).
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to safety concerns).
• Patients with autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).
• Individuals on long-term antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication that could interfere with microbiota composition.
• Individuals with severe behavioral or cognitive disorders that may prevent adherence to the study protocol.