Graduate Program

Biological Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2008

Thesis Director

Steven Daniel

Thesis Committee Member

Gary Bulla

Thesis Committee Member

Ann Fritz

Abstract

This study identifies the oxalate-consuming capabilities of mixtures of probiotic microorganisms, present as commercial probiotics, as well as in seventeen pure cultures of probiotic microorganisms. Probiotics are sold commercially as powders, tablets, and supplements of live microorganisms that, when taken in large amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. Increased levels of urinary oxalate coincide with the formation of kidney stones, so this study sought to identify organisms capable of oxalate consumption that could potentially be manufactured for those suffering from calcium oxalate kidney stones. This study determined that consumption of oxalate was not directly tied to active growth by L. acidophilus NCFM and B. lactis BL-07. Further, consumption of oxalate by cultures of L. acidophilus NCFM occurred more rapidly in older cultures of cells (120 h) and in cultures previously exposed to oxalate. Metabolic profiling shed insight into the possibility that L. acidophilus NCFM shares the same method of oxalate catabolism to that of 0. formigenes, in which formate is produced during oxalate consumption. PCR assays and analysis revealed the presence of the oxc gene, similar to that of 0. formigenes, in several species of probiotic microorganisms. PCR analysis also revealed the apparent diversity of the oxc gene between 0. formigenes, a "specialist" of oxalate catabolism, and species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are "generalists" in regards to oxalate consumption. Further clinica.l trials will be necessary in order to determine the oxalate-consuming activities of pro biotic microorganisms in vivo, if they are to be used as treatments for calcium oxalate kidney stone disease in the future.

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