WCN26-8396 Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WJL enhances nutritional tolerance to low-protein diets by blunting the FGF21-dependent stress response in CKD

Although low-protein diet (LPD) slows CKD progression, its metabolic mechanisms remain unclear. Given adherence challenges and PEW risk, this study examined whether LPD improves metabolic health through uremic toxin (UT) reduction, improved glucose metabolism, and microbiota changes, focusing on fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a liver hormone that responds to protein restriction by promoting food intake and increasing energy expenditure in both CKD mice and humans. It also tested whether Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LpWJL)—identified for growth promotion under nutrient restriction—could alleviate LPD-induced metabolic stress and PEW by modulating amino acid levels and FGF21 in CKD mice.