Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO0133

Beneficial Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on the Long-Term Development of Cognitive Dysfunction Following AKI

Session Information

• AKI: Mechanisms - 1
  November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Acute Kidney Injury

• 103 AKI: Mechanisms

Authors

• Choi, Young Eun, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Young Eun Choi, MD, PhD

• Jin, Chaeyeon, Kookmin University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Chaeyeon Jin

• Seong, Yeong Je, Bifido Co Ltd, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea (the Republic of)

Yeong Je Seong, PhD

• Yoon Sook, Ko, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Ko Yoon Sook, MA

• Hee Young, Lee, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Lee Hee Young, MA

• Koo, Tai yeon, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Tai yeon Koo, MD, PhD

• Lee, Hojin, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Hojin Lee, MD

• Heo, Ga Young, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Ga Young Heo, MD, PhD

• Oh, Sewon, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Sewon Oh, MD, PhD

• Kim, Myung-Gyu, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Myung-Gyu Kim, MD

• Park, Myeong Soo, Bifido Co Ltd, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea (the Republic of)

Myeong Soo Park, PhD

• Kwak, Suryang, Kookmin University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Suryang Kwak, PhD

• Yang, Jihyun, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Jihyun Yang, MD, PhD

• Jo, Sang-Kyung, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Sang-Kyung Jo, MD, PhD

Background

Several epidemiological studies suggest that long-term survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) have an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction, including dementia. Recent research has identified kidney-gut crosstalk mediated by immune function in AKI. Furthermore, the gut dysbiosis, which refers to the disruption of the gut microenvironment, has emerged as a significant complication of AKI. We hypothesize that alleviating gut dysbiosis with probiotics may help mitigate cognitive dysfunction following AKI.

Methods

Using a mouse long-term AKI survival model (one year after kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)), subjects were divided into two groups: one group received phosphate-buffered saline for control, while the other was administered probiotics. Functional and structural brain alterations were assessed one year post-IRI via behavioral tests (Y maze test) and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

One year after kidney IRI, spontaneous alternation, which reflects short-term memory and cognitive function, was assessed using the Y maze test. In both the sham and IRI groups, the probiotics-treated group tended to show improved cognitive function compared to the non-treated group. Furthermore, in the IRI group, probiotics administration significantly alleviated the decline in spontaneous alternation. In immunohistochemistry analysis, no significant differences were identified among groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that oral administration of probiotics may represent a potential strategy for preventing and treating long-term cognitive dysfunction in AKI.

Funding

• Commercial Support – Research Center, BIFIDO Co., Ltd, Hongcheon, South Korea (providing probiotics)

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

• doi: 10.1681/ASN.20259mg3ny54