Comparative study of the cardioprotective effect of probiotics and symbiotics in 5/6th nephrectomized rats

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a well-known world health problem. Patients with CKD rapidly progress to end-stage renal disease with cardiovascular complications. CKD is characterized by retention of toxic substances that contribute to progression of uremia. Indoxyl sulfate is a known toxin that increases in the blood in patients with CKD and is related to uremic cardiomyopathy. Probiotics and prebiotics are reported to have health benefits to the host when supplemented in an adequate amount. We aimed to explore the pathogenesis of uremic cardiomyopathy and the possible protective effects of probiotics and symbiotic. Materials and methods A total of 48 white albino rats were divided into six groups: sham group (group 1), 5/6th nephrectomy group (group 2), probiotic-treated 5/6th nephrectomy rats (group 3 and group 4), and symbiotic-treated 5/6th nephrectomy rats (group 5 and group 6). Treatments were initiated either immediately or 2 weeks after the performed operation. Heart was exposed to 30-min ischemia followed by 30-min reperfusion. Systolic and diastolic functions and myocardial flow rate were measured at 15 and 30 min of reperfusion. Blood pressure measurement was done 1 day before killing. Biochemical studies including serum levels of creatinine, urea, and indoxyl sulfate, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and NADPH oxidase in heart tissue were done. Results Creatinine, urea, TGF-β1, and NADPH oxidase were significantly elevated in all groups compared with sham group. In symbiotic-treated groups, these parameters significantly decreased compared with nephrectomized rats. Systolic and diastolic functions of the heart at 30-min reperfusion were decreased in nephrectomized rats compared with sham one, whereas these functions were attenuated in treated rats. Blood pressure was increased significantly in nephrectomized rats but decreased significantly in symbiotic-treated rats. Conclusion Use of symbiotic and not probiotic is cardioprotective in CKD rats. Symbiotics protect the heart by decreasing uremic toxins and oxidative stress and improve internal milieu.