Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Uremic Toxins, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Journal of Clinical Medicine
Q1
Sep 2021
Citations:43
Influential Citations:0
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
86
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Methods
Adults with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis; randomized controlled trials (including parallel and crossover); 931 participants across 23 trials; mean ages ranged 32–63 years.
Results
Probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced circulating p-cresyl sulfate (p-CS) and endotoxins, and improved oxidative stress markers (TAC up, GSH up, MDA down) and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) versus control. IS reduction was not consistently significant. Authors conclude these supplements can favorably modulate gut-derived toxins, inflammation, and oxidative balance in hemodialysis patients, potentially contributing to better health outcomes; however, substantial heterogeneity and regimen differences limit specific clinical recommendations. More standardized, high-quality randomized trials are needed.
Limitations
Significant heterogeneity across trials; diverse probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic strains, doses, and durations; incomplete reporting of participant demographics; some risk-of-bias concerns; inability to isolate effects by supplement type; short-term trials with no long-term outcomes.

Abstract

The dysbiosis of gut microbiota may cause many complications in patients with end-stage renal disease, which may be alleviated by probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess t...