First full characterization of kidney microbiome unlocks potential to prevent kidney stones (Lactobacillus crispatus)

Medical Xpress / Cleveland Clinic / Nature Communications ^ | Dec. 11, 2024 | Agudelo, J. et al

[ConservativeMind]

Researchers have found definitive proof of a kidney microbiome that influences renal health and kidney stone formation, demonstrating that the urinary tract is not sterile and low levels of bacteria are normal.

They also identified certain bacteria within the microbiome that could promote or block kidney stone development and showed that antibiotic misuse (commonly associated with kidney stone development in a hospital setting) skewed the microbiome towards stone-promoting bacteria.

The team's methods showed that bacteria living in the urinary tract were not only there because of disease, since they found them in the urinary tract of people without evidence of urologic disease.

Other studies had shown that two species Drs. Miller and Agudelo had identified—E. coli and Lactobacillus crispatus—had been associated with the presence and absence of kidney stones, respectively.

To see whether the kidney microbiome could influence stone formation, the researchers grew bacteria using a special chamber that mimics the movement of urine in our kidneys. They then added the "raw ingredients" of kidney stones, oxalate and calcium, to see what happened.

Several large, stone-like crystal structures formed in chambers growing E. coli. Chemical and X-ray analyses revealed these structures were indistinguishable from human kidney stones. No stones formed in the chambers growing Lactobacillus in this way.

Growing the two bacteria together resulted in very small crystal structures that were structurally and chemically different from kidney stones, indicating that Lactobacillus somehow blocks E. coli's ability to form kidney stones.

In preclinical models, the team also saw that antibiotic overuse shifted the balance of the kidney microbiome away from the healthy Lactobacillus towards the stone-forming E. coli.

Dr. Agudelo says his team's findings suggest that different bacteria produce pro- and anti- kidney stone molecules, which he wants to use in new therapeutic and diagnostic techniques.

[ConservativeMind]

Lactobacillus crispatus, a probiotic available in formulations like Crispact, appears to block E. coli’s ability to make kidney stones. Antibiotics also appear to reduce Lactobacillus crispatus, which appears to help E. coli to later grow more unfettered.

Men, this probiotic is currently used by women to help with a healthy vaginal tract, but shouldn’t hurt men.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[ConservativeMind]

One formula with this good bacteria:

https://www.pharmextracta.com/en/insights/lactobacillus-crispatus-the-gold-standard-probiotic-for-vaginal-health/

[aposiopetic]

Thank you. This is extremely interesting.

[zeestephen]

Does every major organ in the human body have its own unique micro-biome?

This is the first time I ever thought about that possibility.

[noiseman]

I’ve had one kidney stone; I don’t ever want another. I’ll have to look into this.

[FreedomPoster]

Dang. There are half a dozen lactobacillus species in the kefir I buy, but this is not one of them.

https://lifewaykefir.com/products/plain-lowfat-kefir/

[UnwashedPeasant]

It might be possible to use the Crispact or similar probiotic product to make yogurt for cheap high dosing. There are YouTube videos for how to make yogurt from probiotics.

[BobL]

“Does every major organ in the human body have its own unique micro-biome?”

I was wondering that too. And, at the very least, for the little kidneys, it should be called a nano-biome.

[Does so]

Me too, so I’m “all ears”.

[PGR88]

I have had problems with kidney stones for over 10 years.

In my experience, what has so far worked to slow formation of stones is a change in my vitamins minerals (more magnesium and iodine)

I also have been drinking straight lemon juice (citrates) in larger amounts later in the day. One reads often about citrates helping in kidney stone formation

I believe acidic lemon juice also helps the gut have a lower pH, (and possibly in renal system also) which helps eliminate coliforms / E.Coli, which can’t exist in acidic environments.

I’m only one person, so these comments do not represent any kind of replicable study, but It has worked for me over the last 18 months.

[ConservativeMind]

Since E. coli is now shown to be able to make kidney stones, I thought it might make sense for people to use D-mannose to help, as it helps flush out E. coli for UTIs. It appears there is a study showing kidney stone formation goes down with D-mannose use:

Cystoman® and calculi: a good alternative to standard therapies in preventing stone recurrence

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24972556/

Until this study, it was not generally thought E. coli could be in the kidney, itself.

Increasing Lactobacillus crispatus and taking modest amounts of D-mannose might yield great benefits.

[ConservativeMind]

That Cystoman formula has capsules of the following combined ingredients:

D-mannose 100 mg, Cranberry 40 mg (35% polyphenols), Vitamin C 60 mg.

https://www.efarma.com/cystoman-1000-12cpr.html

[DannyTN]

I used crispatus and this happened:

Just kidding, I haven't used it.