Researchers have demonstrated that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus CMU-pb-7 effectively alleviates diabetic nephropathy (DN) in a high‑fat diet and streptozotocin‑induced rat model. DN is a major diabetic complication and a leading cause of end‑stage renal disease, yet effective treatments remain limited.
In the study, DN rats treated with CMU-pb-7 showed marked improvements in general condition and serum biochemical profiles, including significant reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. Renal interstitial fibrosis was reversed, and oxidative stress markers—such as MDA and Fe²⁺—decreased, while antioxidant levels (GSH and SOD) were restored. Mechanistically, CMU-pb-7 activated the renal Nrf2/HO-1/Gpx4 antioxidative pathway, suppressing Keap1 expression.
“Our findings indicate that CMU-pb-7 alleviates renal dysfunction possibly by reducing oxidative stress through activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/Gpx4 pathway,” said Jie Jiang, the first author of the study.
The probiotic also elevated plasma levels of short‑chain fatty acids, especially butyrate. In AGEs‑stimulated HK‑2 cells, butyrate treatment reduced reactive oxygen species and reversed the downregulation of Nrf2/HO‑1/Gpx4 proteins. “The butyrate‑mediated activation of the Nrf2 pathway highlights a novel gut‑kidney axis mechanism,” added corresponding author Jincheng Zeng.
While the results are promising, the authors note limitations including the lack of Nrf2‑specific functional validation and direct colonization evidence. Future clinical studies are needed to assess safety and efficacy in patients with early‑stage DN.
For the full article, please visit: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmp.2026.02.002
Current Molecular Pharmacology