Multi-omics analysis reveals therapeutic effects of Bacillus subtilis-fermented Astragalus membranaceus in hyperuricemia via modulation of gut microbiota

At present, uncovering how to prevent and control hyperuricemia has become an important public health issue. Fermented traditional Chinese medicine has exhibited promising applications in the clinical management of hyperuricemia. In this study, we generated a hyperuricemic mouse model to explore the potent therapeutic ability of Bacillus subtilis-fermented Astragalus membranaceus (BFA) on this condition by multi-omics analysis. We found that the serum uric acid level was decreased in hyperuricemic mice after BFA treatment. BFA effectively attenuated renal inflammation and regulated the expression of urate transporters. Additionally, we found that BFA could increase the abundances of butyrate-producing bacteria, including Butyricimonas synergistica, Odoribacter splanchnicus, and Collinsella tanakaei, and probiotics, including Lactobacillus intestinalis and Bacillus mycoides, in hyperuricemic mice. Therefore, we believe that BFA has the potential to become a novel safe and valid functional food for addressing hyperuricemia.

Automated summary

This study suggests that fermented Astragalus membranaceus (BFA) has a potential therapeutic effect on hyperuricemia. BFA can lower serum uric acid levels, attenuate renal inflammation, regulate the expression of urate transporters, and increase the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and probiotics. These findings indicate that BFA could be a novel safe and effective functional food for treating hyperuricemia.