Probiotic therapy alleviates hyperuricemia in C57BL/6 mouse model

Aim: The present study is to investigate differences in gut bacteria especially bifidobacteria and lactobacilli between C57BL/6 mice with and without hyperuricemia, as well as the effect of probiotic therapy with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli on hyperuricemia-associated serum markers over time in the mouse model. Methods: The mouse model of hyperuricemia was established by using C57BL/6 mice and a reported protocol. DNA was extracted from fecal samples collected from C57BL/6 mice. Specific primers for 16S rRNA gene were designed for PCR-based detection of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, respectively. Uric acid (UA) level, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) level, and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in serum were measured. Results: The amount of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in fecal samples from hyperuricemic mice was significantly decreased, while UA level, XO activity, and LPS level were significantly increased in hyperuricemic mice compared to those of normal mice. These changes were attenuated after five weeks of probiotic therapy. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the relationship between hyperuricemia and gut microbial changes over time and the effect of probiotic therapy on hyperuricemia in mouse model.