The engineered bacteria's survival can be controlled by creating a dependency on a specific nutrient, such as porphyran, which can be withdrawn to manage the treatment precisely.

Hyperoxaluria can result from high oxalate diets, intestinal surgeries, and hereditary factors, with health-conscious individuals at risk from excessive vegetable juicing.

Experts view this research as a breakthrough in engineering gut microbes for therapeutic purposes, potentially aiding in the treatment of various gut-related diseases.

While immediate clinical applications are limited in Spain, the research holds future potential for treating hyperoxaluria and other metabolic diseases if current challenges are addressed.

Further studies are necessary to understand and overcome barriers to clinical effectiveness, as current limitations include reduced efficacy in patients and biosafety concerns related to gene transfer.

Researchers have genetically engineered gut bacteria, specifically Phocaeicola vulgatus, to absorb oxalates, which are compounds that contribute to kidney stones, and to thrive within the gut microbiome.

This innovative approach aims to develop a potential treatment for hyperoxaluria, a condition that can lead to kidney stones and serious kidney issues.

Studies on mice and humans with hyperoxaluria have shown promise, with the goal of overcoming biological barriers to effective treatment.

In rat experiments, those treated with the engineered bacteria exhibited an average of 47% less oxalate in their urine compared to those given non-engineered strains.

A small human trial involving nine participants with enteric hyperoxaluria observed a 27% reduction in urinary oxalate after 28 days of daily porphyran consumption, though the results lacked statistical significance due to the limited sample size.

Genetic analysis revealed that only four participants retained the engineered bacteria capable of digesting porphyran eight weeks after treatment, indicating potential gene transfer with existing gut microbes.

Limitations of this approach include concerns about biosafety and the reduced effectiveness observed in patients compared to healthy individuals.

Participants in the human trial experienced mild gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain and diarrhea, but no serious side effects were reported.