Current Status of Research on Probiotics and Their Metabolites for the Treatment of Drug-Induced Nephropathy

Probiotics have shown potential in the prevention and treatment of drug-induced nephropathy, a common cause of kidney injury. This paper mainly reviews probiotics and their metabolites for the treatment of drug-induced nephropathy. Experimental studies, particularly those involving cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury, have demonstrated that various probiotic strains, such as lactobacillus rhamnosus and clostridium species, can alleviate kidney damage by modulating the gut microbiota, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing anti-inflammatory responses. These probiotics work by improving gut dysbiosis, lowering uremic toxin levels, and protecting renal tubular cells. Additionally, the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, plays a key role in their protective effects. Probiotic therapy may be further enhanced by combining it with prebiotics, which support the growth of beneficial bacteria, or synbiotics, which combine both. While these findings are promising, the clinical application of probiotics in drug-induced nephropathy remains limited, and further research is needed to identify the most effective strains, optimize dosages, and evaluate their safety and efficacy in large-scale clinical trials. This paper highlights the potential of probiotics as a therapeutic strategy for drug-induced nephropathy and outlines the challenges that need to be addressed for their clinical implementation.