Vol. 8, Issue 4, Part A (2024)

Background: Obstructive nephropathy is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), often characterized by progressive renal fibrosis as a result of urinary flow obstruction. Renal fibrosis plays a central role in the deterioration of kidney function and the progression to end-stage renal disease. Recent interest has focused on the potential of probiotics, particularly Lactococcus lactis D4, a strain isolated from dadiah (a traditional fermented buffalo milk in Indonesia), for their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. These attributes suggest a promising therapeutic role in mitigating renal fibrosis in CKD. 

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Lactococcus lactis D4 on renal fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) using histopathological analysis with Sirius red staining. Methods: A laboratory-based experimental study was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6-7 weeks. The rats were divided into three groups: Sham (laparotomy without UUO), P1 (UUO without Lactococcus lactis D4), and P2 (UUO with Lactococcus lactis D4). The probiotic Lactococcus lactis D4 was administered orally at a dose of 8x10? CFU/mL for 7 days. Histological assessment of renal fibrosis was carried out using Sirius red staining, and quantitative measurement was done with ImageJ software. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by post-hoc tests to determine significance. 

Results: The Sham group exhibited minimal fibrosis (17.07±0.58%), whereas the P1 group showed a significant increase in fibrosis (28.68±3.27%, p = 0.013). In contrast, the P2 group, treated with Lactococcus lactis D4, displayed a significant reduction in fibrosis (7.11±1.14%, p = 0.001), which was lower than both Sham and P1 groups. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in fibrosis levels between the groups (p = 0.001). 

Conclusion: The administration of Lactococcus lactis D4 significantly reduced renal fibrosis in the UUO rat model, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting renal fibrosis. Further investigations are required to explore the molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications of Lactococcus lactis D4 in the context of renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease.