Effect of probiotics on kidney tissue in an experimental diabetes model

Purpose: Diabetes, a major public health issue, is an endocrine and metabolic disease that causes damage to various tissues, including the kidneys. Probiotics are thought to play a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of diseases when used in sufficient amounts. This study aims to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on kidney tissue damage induced by diabetes. Materials and methods: A total of 34 rats were divided into five groups. The control group (K, n=5) received PBS, while the probiotic-only group (Pm, n=5) was given probiotics (0.6 mg/kg). In the diabetes group (Dm, n=8), diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The PmD group (n=8) received probiotic supplementation before diabetes induction, and probiotic administration continued after diabetes was induced. In contrast, the DmP group (n=8) first underwent diabetes induction, followed by probiotic supplementation. Kidney tissues were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically, with Bcl-2 and alpha-SMA antibody expressions evaluated. Results: No histopathological alterations were observed in the control group. In the Dm group, moderate-to-mild nephrotoxicity was detected, while the probiotic-supplemented diabetes groups exhibited mild nephrotoxicity. Bcl-2 expression was decreased in the Dm group but was found to be higher in the DmP and PmD groups. Conversely, alpha-SMA expression was elevated in the Dm group, whereas it was lower in the DmP and PmD groups. Conclusion: Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses indicate that probiotics exert a protective effect against diabetes-induced kidney damage.