Lactobacillus casei Shirota modulation of ammonia metabolism in physical exercise

Ammonia is a continuously produced metabolic toxic waste product. Decompensated liver disease patients have elevated ammonia levels and are prone to infection. Increased ammonia levels have been recorded following physical exertion. Mechanisms to control ammonia overspill are limited. Urea cycle disorders receive therapeutic phenylacetate to lower ammonia, captured as glutamine. Bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus synthesise phenylacetate and this may provide a useful mechanism to control ammonia overspill in athletes. A pilot study with male football players investigated the possibility that L. casei Shirota probiotic supplement could naturally generate phenylacetate, and contributes to ammonia removal through glutamine sequestration as phenylacetylglutamine via the kidneys, volunteers were assigned to one of two groups: probiotic supplemented (x2/day) or controls. All subjects undertook an exhaustive exercise routine in a 9-station static exercise program. Urine samples were collected 4hr after fhe exercise program. The program was repeated after 1 month. Urinary phenyacetylglutamine and ammonia, corrected by creatinine levels, were measured. Expressed as the difference in urinary levels between the two sampling points. Phenylacetylglutamine was significantly increased in the probiotic group (P<0.01) ammonia levels were lower compared to the control group (P-0.064). Probiotic Lactobacillus supplementation may °e useful in controlling exercise-generated ammonia.