Novel Potential Probiotics from Chinese Baijiu Fermentation Grains: Dual Action of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LTJ1/LTJ48 in Uric Acid Reduction and Gut Microbiota Restoration for Hyperuricemia Therapy in Mice

Nutrients. 2025 Jun 24;17(13):2097. doi: 10.3390/nu17132097.

Abstract

Objectives: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder linked to serious complications, yet current treatments face safety limitations. This study aimed to identify novel probiotic strains from Chinese Baijiu fermentation grains with dual-action mechanisms for HUA management-direct uric acid (UA) reduction and gut microbiota restoration.

Methods: Two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains (LTJ1/LTJ48) were screened for purine/nucleoside degradation using HPLC. Their efficacy was evaluated in HepG2 cells and HUA mice. Key assessments included UA levels, renal/hepatic markers (AST, CRE, BUN), ADA/XOD activity, UA transporter expression (URAT1, GLUT9, ABCG2), and 16S rRNA-based microbiota analysis.

Results: LTJ1/LTJ48 degraded >97% of purines/nucleosides in vitro. In HUA mice, they reduced serum UA by 31.0% (LTJ1) and 51.5% (LTJ48), improved renal/hepatic function, and suppressed ADA activity. They modulated UA transporters and restored gut microbiota.

Conclusions: LTJ1/LTJ48 exhibit multi-target HUA alleviation via purine degradation, ADA inhibition, UA transporter regulation, and microbiota remodeling, offering a safer probiotic-based alternative to conventional therapies. Their translational potential warrants further clinical exploration.

Keywords: Chinese baijiu fermenting grains; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LTJ1 and LTJ48; UA metabolism; gut microbiota dysbiosis; hyperuricemia.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Edible Grain* / microbiology
  • Fermentation
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / drug effects
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hyperuricemia* / microbiology
  • Hyperuricemia* / therapy
  • Lactobacillus plantarum*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Probiotics* / pharmacology
  • Purines / metabolism
  • Uric Acid* / blood
  • Uric Acid* / metabolism

Substances

  • Uric Acid
  • Purines