In addition, probiotics could significantly retard the progression of renal failure; reduce the serum levels of endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18); improve stool form, borborygmus, and flatulence; and increase the abundance of B. bifidum and B. breve in the stool microbiota for the patients with CKD. The gene discussed is IL18; the disease is chronic kidney disease.