Diabetes & Endocrinology
RCT
● RCT
Synbiotics Reduce Inflammation and Intestinal Permeability in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Renal failure
Published March 28, 2026
Karimi Zeinab, Tabibi Hadi, Nafar Mohsen, Samavat Shiva, Firouzan Ahmad, Hedayati Mehdi, Yari Zahra
PubMed ↗
DOI ↗
This randomized controlled trial assessed the impact of synbiotic supplementation on intestinal permeability and inflammation in kidney transplant recipients. A total of 46 participants were randomized to receive either synbiotic capsules or a placebo for 12 weeks. The study focused on measuring serum levels of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), galectin-3, urea, and creatinine. Results demonstrated significant reductions in serum LBP (p=0.03), hs-CRP (p=0.02), ICAM-1 (p=0.04), and IL-6 (p=0.02) in the synbiotic group compared to the placebo group. However, no significant changes were observed in serum MDA, galectin-3, urea, and creatinine levels within either group. These findings suggest that synbiotic supplementation may be beneficial in reducing markers associated with intestinal permeability and inflammation, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and graft failure in kidney transplant recipients.
AI Accuracy Review: 10/10
· Auto-published
If you or someone you know has had a kidney transplant, you might be concerned about inflammation and gut health. A recent study looked at how synbiotics—special blends of probiotics and prebiotics—can help. In this trial, 46 kidney transplant recipients took either synbiotic capsules or a placebo for 12 weeks. The results were promising: those who took synbiotics showed significant reductions in several inflammation markers compared to those who took the placebo. Specifically, markers linked to gut health and cardiovascular risks decreased. While some other health markers didn’t change, the reduction in inflammation is a positive sign. This means that synbiotics could play a role in helping kidney transplant patients manage their health better and potentially reduce the risk of complications. It’s an exciting step towards improving the well-being of those living with kidney transplants.
What this means for you: Synbiotics may lower inflammation and improve gut health in kidney transplant recipients.
View Original Abstract ↓
Increased intestinal permeability resulting from gut dysbiosis, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and graft failure is common among kidney transplant (KT) recipients. This study was designed to investigate the effects of synbiotics on intestinal permeability, systemic and vascular inflammation markers, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in KT recipients. In this randomized controlled trial, 46 KT recipients were randomly assigned to either the synbiotic or the placebo group. Participants in the synbiotic group received two synbiotic capsules for 12 weeks, while the placebo group received a corresponding placebo. Serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), malondial-dehyde (MDA), galectin-3, urea, and creatinine were measured. Serum LBP ( = 0.03), hs-CRP ( = 0.02), ICAM-1 ( = 0.04), and IL-6 ( = 0.02) showed significant reductions in the synbiotic group compared to the placebo group. Serum MDA, galectin-3, urea, and creatinine did not show significant changes within each group. This study indicates that synbiotics reduce LBP, a marker of intestinal permeability, as well as hs-CRP, IL-6, and sICAM-1, which are risk factors for CVD and graft failure, in KT recipients.
