A novel synbiotic formulation prevents calcium oxalate stones by restoring gut microbiota homeostasis

Author: mycolabadmin
10/21/2025
View Source

Summary

This study tested a special probiotic and prebiotic combination to prevent kidney stones caused by too much oxalate in the body. The formula containing three beneficial bacteria strains and a plant-based fiber worked better than any single component alone. The treatment restored healthy gut bacteria, protected the intestinal lining, and reduced the amount of oxalate reaching the kidneys, effectively preventing stone formation in animal models.

Background

Calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis is a highly prevalent renal disorder with limited preventive strategies. Growing evidence links gut microbiota dysbiosis to stone formation, suggesting microbiota modulation as a potential therapeutic approach. Synbiotic formulations combining probiotics and prebiotics show promise for mitigating hyperoxaluria and preventing renal stone formation.

Objective

This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of a novel synbiotic formulation containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Bifidobacterium breve, and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) in preventing calcium oxalate stone formation. The research aimed to elucidate the anti-nephrolithic mechanisms through investigation of gut microbiota restoration and oxalate homeostasis modulation.

Results

The synbiotic formulation demonstrated superior anti-nephrolithic activity compared to individual components, significantly reducing calcium oxalate crystal deposition and urinary oxalate levels. Synbiotic supplementation reversed dysbiosis, restored microbiota richness and evenness, and increased beneficial oxalate-metabolizing bacteria. Treatment also ameliorated intestinal barrier damage and bidirectionally regulated oxalate transporters to modulate oxalate homeostasis.

Conclusion

Synbiotic intervention effectively prevents calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis by restoring gut microbiota homeostasis and modulating oxalate homeostasis through intestinal barrier repair and oxalate transporter regulation. This study establishes synbiotics as a promising therapeutic strategy for kidney stone prevention and provides mechanistic insights into their protective effects.

Published in:BMC Microbiology,
Study Type:Animal Study,
Source: PMID: 41120928