From Gut to Kidney: How Oxalobacter formigenes Probiotics Work
From Gut to Kidney: How Oxalobacter formigenes Probiotics Work
The human microbiome, a complex community of trillions of microorganisms residing primarily in the gut, plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health. Among these microorganisms, certain probiotics have garnered attention for their potential to influence specific bodily functions. One such bacterium is Oxalobacter formigenes, recognized for its unique ability to degrade oxalate, a compound implicated in kidney stone formation.
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Understanding O. formigenes
What is O. formigenes?
O. formigenes is a Gram-negative, obligate anaerobic bacterium that colonizes the human colon. Unlike many gut bacteria, it exclusively utilizes oxalate as its primary carbon and energy source. This specialization enables O. formigenes to degrade dietary oxalate, converting it into formate and carbon dioxide, thereby reducing oxalate absorption in the intestines. This unique metabolic pathway positions O. formigenes as a key player in oxalate homeostasis within the human body.
Role in Oxalate Metabolism
The degradation process of oxalate by O. formigenes involves the enzyme oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase, which catalyzes the decarboxylation of oxalyl-CoA to formyl-CoA and carbon dioxide. This enzymatic activity not only detoxifies oxalate but also prevents its absorption into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the load on renal excretion pathways. Consequently, the presence of O. formigenes in the gut microbiome is associated with lower urinary oxalate concentrations, highlighting its potential protective role against oxalate-related disorders.
Fig.1 Oxalate degradation pathway in O. formigenes.1
The Connection Between Gut and Kidney Health
Oxalate and Kidney Stones
Oxalate is a naturally occurring compound found in various foods and produced as a metabolic byproduct. When oxalate binds with calcium in the kidneys, it can form calcium oxalate crystals, the primary constituent of approximately 80% of kidney stones. Elevated urinary oxalate levels increase the risk of these crystals aggregating into stones, leading to nephrolithiasis—a condition characterized by severe pain and potential complications such as urinary tract obstruction and infection.
Influence of O. formigenes on Kidney Health
Studies have demonstrated that individuals colonized with O. formigenes exhibit significantly lower urinary oxalate excretion compared to non-colonized individuals. This reduction is attributed to the bacterium's capacity to degrade intestinal oxalate, thereby diminishing the amount available for absorption and subsequent renal excretion. Moreover, the absence of O. formigenes has been linked to an increased risk of recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones, underscoring its potential role in kidney stone prevention.
Research and Development of O. formigenes Probiotics
Developing O. formigenes as a viable probiotic presents several challenges. The bacterium's strict anaerobic nature makes cultivation and stabilization difficult, as it is highly sensitive to oxygen exposure. Additionally, maintaining its viability through the gastrointestinal tract, where it encounters varying pH levels and bile salts, poses significant hurdles. These challenges necessitate advanced biotechnological approaches to formulate effective O. formigenes supplements.
Creative Biolabs, a company specializing in next-generation probiotics development , has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Utilizing cutting-edge genomic and proteomic technologies, they offer precise characterization of O. formigenes, facilitating the development of robust probiotic formulations. Their state-of-the-art facilities are equipped for advanced microbial cultivation and genetic engineering, enabling the production of high-purity probiotic strains. Notably, Creative Biolabs provides specialized services, including:
Availability and Research Use of O. formigenes Supplements
Current Market Status
As of now, O. formigenes supplements are primarily available for research purposes and have not been approved for clinical use. The complexities associated with its cultivation and stabilization have delayed its commercialization as a consumer probiotic. However, ongoing research and technological advancements aim to overcome these obstacles, paving the way for future therapeutic applications.
A Gram negative oxalate-degrading anaerobic bacterium.
Researchers interested in studying O. formigenes can acquire strains from specialized companies like Creative Biolabs. These organizations provide high-quality microbial cultures, along with comprehensive support services such as microbial isolation, identification, and safety testing. Access to these resources facilitates scientific studies exploring the potential health benefits and applications of O. formigenes.
Clinical Evidence and Efficacy
Clinical Trials and Studies
Clinical investigations have assessed the efficacy of O. formigenes supplementation in reducing urinary oxalate levels. Some studies have reported a decrease in urinary oxalate excretion following colonization with O. formigenes, indicating potential protective effects against kidney stone formation. However, results have been mixed, and further research is necessary to establish definitive conclusions regarding its therapeutic efficacy.
Safety and Tolerability
The safety profile of O. formigenes appears favorable, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical settings. Nonetheless, comprehensive evaluations are essential to fully understand its safety and tolerability, particularly in diverse populations and over extended periods.
Future Perspectives
Advancements in Probiotic Research
Emerging research continues to elucidate the role of O. formigenes in gut and kidney health. Recent studies have demonstrated that colonization with O. formigenes can significantly reduce urinary oxalate excretion in humans, highlighting its potential in managing conditions like hyperoxaluria. These findings pave the way for integrating O. formigenes probiotics into standard kidney stone prevention protocols.
Considerations for Researchers
For researchers aiming to explore the therapeutic potential of O. formigenes, it is crucial to consult regulatory guidelines before initiating new probiotic studies. Designing rigorous, ethically sound clinical trials will be essential to validate the efficacy and safety of O. formigenes supplementation in diverse populations.
What methods can verify successful colonization of O. formigenes in the human gut?
Successful gut colonization is typically confirmed via stool analyses using PCR-based assays, quantitative microbial culture techniques, or advanced sequencing technologies like metagenomic profiling, demonstrating presence and functional activity of O. formigenes.
What services does Creative Biolabs offer regarding O. formigenes?
Creative Biolabs offers services related to O. formigenes, including microbial isolation, identification, and safety testing, supporting research and development in this field.
Karamad, Dina, et al. "Probiotic oxalate-degrading bacteria: new insight of environmental variables and expression of the oxc and frc genes on oxalate degradation activity." Foods 11.18 (2022): 2876. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11182876
Stewart, Colin S., Sylvia H. Duncan, and David R. Cave. "Oxalobacter formigenes and its role in oxalate metabolism in the human gut." FEMS microbiology letters 230.1 (2004): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-1097(03)00864-4
Distributed Under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
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Fig.1 Oxalate degradation pathway in O. formigenes.1
