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Renoprotective Effects of Solid-State Cultivated Antrodia Cinnamomea in Juvenile Rats with Chronic Kidney Disease

Summary

This research investigated how a medicinal mushroom called Antrodia cinnamomea could help protect against kidney disease in young subjects. The study found that this mushroom extract helped improve kidney function and lower blood pressure by promoting healthy gut bacteria and regulating important biological systems. This has important implications for treating chronic kidney disease, especially in children. Impacts on everyday life: • Offers a potential natural supplement option for supporting kidney health • Demonstrates how traditional medicinal mushrooms can be scientifically validated for modern medical use • Shows promise for managing high blood pressure through natural means • Highlights the importance of gut health in overall wellbeing • Suggests new dietary approaches for preventing kidney disease progression

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease that can originate in the earliest stage of life, with rising global prevalence despite recent treatment advances. The gut microbiome and microbial metabolites play a key role in CKD and its complications. Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), a medicinal mushroom endemic to Taiwan, has shown multiple beneficial actions but its effects on pediatric CKD remain largely unknown.

Objective

To investigate whether solid-state cultivated Antrodia cinnamomea treatment can protect juvenile rats against CKD progression and high blood pressure, and explore the protective mechanisms focusing on the gut microbiome and microbial-derived metabolites.

Results

AC treatment, either low- or high-dose, improved kidney function, proteinuria, and hypertension in CKD rats. Low-dose AC treatment increased plasma concentrations of short-chain fatty acids. AC acted as a prebiotic by enriching beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Akkermansia and Turicibacter. The beneficial action of AC against CKD-related hypertension was linked to inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system.

Conclusion

Treatment using solid-state cultivated AC protected CKD rats against kidney injury and hypertension through enhancement of beneficial microbes, regulation of SCFA receptor signaling pathways, and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. This suggests potential use of AC as a prebiotic dietary supplement to improve global kidney health.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/nu15214626
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