Alginate ameliorates hyperuricemia in mice by restoring hyperuricemia-induced renal and intestinal dysfunctions

Alginate, a bioactive polysaccharide fermentable by gut microbiota, has been shown to effectively reduce serum uric acid levels. However, its mechanisms and the role of gut microbiota remain unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of alginate with two different molecular weights on hyperuricemia mice. Both types of alginates significantly lowered serum uric acid levels and alleviated renal and intestinal dysfunctions caused by hyperuricemia, primarily by upregulating the expression of the uric acid transporter ABCG2. Additionally, we found that the alleviation of hyperuricemia by alginate is closely related to gut microbiota. Alginate alleviates gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by hyperuricemia by enriching potentially beneficial bacteria. These include Limosilactobacillus and Lactobacillus, which show a significant negative correlation with serum uric acid levels. These bacteria might promote uric acid excretion by metabolizing uric acid precursors in feces, thereby reducing uric acid accumulation. In summary, this study reveals the protective effects of alginate on renal and intestinal damage in hyperuricemia mice and highlights the crucial role of gut microbiota. It provides valuable insights into the mechanisms by which gut microbiota mediate the effects of alginate. These findings offer promising potential for the development of uric acid-lowering agents.