Targeting kidney inflammation in colitis: the role of probiotics, paraprobiotics, and autophagy

Probiotics and paraprobiotics have the potential to alleviate kidney inflammation by modulating colitis and influencing the autophagy pathway. This study aimed to evaluate their effects on the autophagy pathway in kidney inflammation following colitis. Colitis was induced in mice using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to simulate gut inflammation. Molecular analysis quantitative PCR (qPCR) measured the expression of autophagy-related genes such as beclin, atg5, atg7, atg12, and atg13 in kidney tissue. DSS treatment significantly worsened colitis symptoms, increasing disease activity index and pathological scores while reducing colon length and weight. Treatment with probiotics and paraprobiotics improved these parameters and restored colon health. Moreover, DSS reduced autophagy gene expression in kidneys, whereas probiotic treatments significantly upregulated these genes, indicating an autophagy-inducing effect that helps mitigate colitis-associated kidney inflammation.