Novel native probiotics with protective effects against nickel-induced kidney injury: a strategy for heavy metal toxicity.

Recent studies have shown that exposure to heavy metals, particularly Nickel, and exacerbates kidney diseases by increasing oxidative stress. Probiotics, recognized for their antioxidant properties, may provide a beneficial approach to mitigate this oxidative damage. This research aims to explore the efficacy of native probiotics in reducing oxidative stress in kidney tissues, potentially leading to improved protective strategies against the toxicity caused by heavy metals. In this study, forty male NMRI mice were exposed to Nickel to induce oxidative stress, followed by probiotic treatment to evaluate its potential protective effects. The impact of these interventions on the antioxidant system was assessed through Real-Time PCR analysis, which measured gene expression profiles in the kidney tissue of the mice. The study demonstrated that native probiotic strains effectively upregulated the expression of genes related to Nrf2 signaling pathway before exposing to oxidant agents. Despite the suppressive effects of Nickel exposure on these gene expressions, the subsequent administration of probiotics after Nickel resulted in a significant increase and enhancement of expression levels. This research underscores the detrimental effects of Nickel, a heavy metal, on kidney health while exploring the protective properties of probiotics, particularly their anti-oxidative effects. Given the substantial risks linked to heavy metal exposure, the integration of probiotics presents a promising strategy to alleviate oxidative stress, thereby potentially preventing various kidney disorders associated with this condition. The findings advocate for a dual approach of addressing heavy metal toxicity and enhancing kidney resilience through probiotic intervention.