Metabolic Induction of Lactic Acid Bacteria for Urea Removal

Objective:This study aims to induce nonpathogenic bacteria for urea removal as a potential treatment in renal failure. Methods:Lactococus lactis MG1363 was induced by repeated exposure to urea-rich culture media, the ability to remove urea from the media was evaluated. The effect of gastroenteric environment, such as low pH, bile salt and antiagonistic properties were investigated.The antimicrobial activities on pathogenic E.coli and S.aureus in the intestinal tract and the antibiotic tolerance of the induced bacteria were also studied.Results: Induced bacteria of 50 generations could decrease the urea level from 40.01 mg/dL to 32.99 mg/dL after 24 h. The bacteria could grow after treatment at pH3.0 for 2 h and in 0.1% bile salt for 6 h, and the urea removal activity was retained in such simulated gastroenteric environment. The removal of urea was significantly enhanced to 35.8% by addition of Ni2+ to the culture medium at neutral pH. It was also found that the induced bacteria could inhibit the growth of E.coli and S.aureus, and tolerate ampicillin,gentamicin,roxithromycin,tetracycline and cefradine. The safety tests were performed by feeding normal rats with either Lactococus lactis MG1363 or induced Lactococus lactis MG1363. The two materials did not cause any changes in blood cells, blood biochemical indexes and body weight. Conclusion: These results suggest that the induced Lactococus lactis MG1363 has the potential as an oral therapy for the removal of urea in patients with renal failure.