Abstract:
Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to improve kidney functions (e.g., restoring urine secretion and/or lowering blood urea nitrogen, serum proteinuria, and/or serum creatinine levels) in a subject as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to compositions that can improve kidney function and are useful as dietary supplements (e.g., health drinks). These compositions contain yeast cells obtainable by growth in electromagnetic fields with specific frequencies and field strengths. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Renal failure is a disease state in which renal functions are damaged severely such that internal environment of the living body can no longer be maintained in normal conditions. In particular, acute renal failure involves a sudden loss of the kidneys&#39;ability to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes. Causes of acute renal failure include acute tubular necrosis (ATN), myoglobinuria (myoglobin in the urine), infections such as acute pyelonephritis or septicemia, urinary tract obstruction such as a narrowing of the urinary tract (stricture), tumor, kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, enlarged prostate with subsequent acute bilateral obstructive uropath, severe acute nephritic syndrome, disorders of the blood, malignant hypertension, and autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma. Other causes such as poisons and trauma, for example a direct and forceful blow to the kidneys, can also lead to renal failure. 
     Chronic renal failure is a gradual loss of kidney functions and usually occurs over a number of years as the internal structures of the kidney are slowly destroyed. Causative diseases include glomerulonephritis of any type, polycystic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, Alport syndrome, reflux nephropathy, obstructive uropathy, kidney stones and infection, and analgesic nephropathy. Chronic renal failure results in the accumulation of fluid and waste products in the body, causing azotemia and uremia. 
     Therapeutic agents for acute renal failure include loop diuretics and osmotic diuretics, which are used in expectation of recovery of renal functions by increasing the flow in kidney tubules so as to wash away casts formed in the tubules and thereby prevent obstruction of the tubules. Agents for chronic renal failure include imidazole angiotensin-II (AII) receptor antagonists and anipamil. However, depending on the manner of use, these agents present the risk of inviting hearing disorders and the even more severe adverse side effects of heart failure and pulmonary edema. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is based on the discovery that certain yeast cells can be activated by electromagnetic fields having specific frequencies and field strengths to produce substances useful in improving kidney health (i.e., functions). Compositions comprising these activated yeast cells can be used as dietary supplements, in the form of health drinks or dietary pills (tablets or powder). For instance, these compositions can be used to improve kidney functions in a subject (e.g., a human subject) as indicated by restored urine secretion and/or lowered blood urea nitrogen, serum proteinuria, and/or serum creatinine levels. 
     This invention embraces a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9700 to 9850 MHz (e.g., 9750-9800 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 150 to 510 mV/cm (e.g., 210-250, 280-320, 310-325, 320-350, 350-380, 380-405, 380-420, or 420-450 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured for a period of time sufficient to activate said plurality of yeast cells to treat kidney diseases in a subject. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 30-200 hours (e.g., 35-100 hours). 
     Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9700 to 9850 MHz (e.g., 9750-9820 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 300 to 500 mV/cm (e.g., 380-420 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 50-100 hours (e.g., 61-84 hours). 
     Yeast cells that can be included in this composition are available from the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center (“CGMCC”), a depository recognized under the Budapest Treaty (China Committee for Culture Collection of Microorganisms, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian, P.O. Box 2714, Beijing, 100080, China). Useful yeast species include, but are not limited to, those commonly used in food and pharmaceutical industries, such as  Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum , Saccharomyces sp.,  Schizosaccharomyces pombe , and  Rhodotorula aurantiaca . For instance, the yeast cells can be of the strain  Saccharomyces cerevisiae  Hansen AS2.16, AS2.501, AS2.502, AS2.503, AS2.504, AS2.535, AS2.558, AS2.560, AS2.561, or AS2.562. Other useful yeast strains are illustrated in Table 1. 
     This invention further embraces a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been activated to treat kidney diseases in a subject. Included in this invention are also methods of making these compositions. 
     As used herein, “kidney diseases” include, but are not limited to, acute and chronic renal failure, acute and chronic nephritis, uremia, and anuria. A subject includes a human and veterinary subject. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Exemplary methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All publications and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Throughout this specification and claims, the word “comprise,” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for activating yeast cells using electromagnetic fields.  1 : yeast culture;  2 : container;  3 : power supply. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for making yeast compositions of the invention. The apparatus comprises a signal generator and interconnected containers  1 ,  2  and  3 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is based on the discovery that certain yeast strains can be activated by electromagnetic fields (“EMF”) having specific frequencies and field strengths to become highly efficient in producing substances that restore urine secretion and/or lower blood urea nitrogen, serum proteinuria and/or creatinine levels in a subject. Compositions containing these activated yeast cells are thus useful in treating kidney diseases. Yeast compositions containing activated yeast cells can be used as dietary supplements, in the form of health drinks or dietary pills (tablets or powder). 
     Since the activated yeast cells contained in the yeast compositions have been cultured to endure acidic conditions (pH 2.5-4.2), these cells can survive the gastric environment and pass on to the intestines. Once in the intestines, the yeast cells are ruptured by various digestive enzymes, and the active substances in treatment of kidney diseases are released and readily absorbed. 
     Without being bound by any theory or mechanism, the inventor believes that EMFs activate or enhance the expression of a gene or a set of genes in yeast cells such that the yeast cells become active or more efficient in performing certain metabolic activities which lead to the desired effect. 
     I. Yeast Strains Useful in the Invention 
     The types of yeasts useful in this invention include, but are not limited to, yeasts of the genera Saccharomyces,  Schizosaccharomyces pombe , and Rhodotorula. 
     Exemplary species within the above-listed genera include, but are not limited to, those illustrated in Table 1. Yeast strains useful for this invention can be obtained from laboratory cultures, or from publically accessible culture depositories, such as CGMCC and the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. Non-limiting examples of useful strains (with accession numbers of CGMCC) are  Saccharomyces cerevisiae  Hansen AS2.16, AS2.501, AS2.502, AS2.503, AS2.504, AS2.535, AS2.558, AS2.560, AS2.561, and AS2.562. Other useful yeast strains are illustrated in Table 1. 
     Although it is preferred, the preparation of the yeast compositions of this invention is not limited to starting with a pure strain of yeast. A yeast composition of the invention may be produced by culturing a mixture of yeast cells of different species or strains. The ability of any activated species or strain of yeasts to treat kidney diseases can be readily tested by methods known in the art. See, for instance, Examples 1 and 2. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Exemplary Yeast Strains 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   Saccharomyces cerevisiae  Hansen 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2034 
                 ACCC2035 
                 ACCC2036 
                 ACCC2037 
                 ACCC2038 
               
               
                 ACCC2039 
                 ACCC2040 
                 ACCC2041 
                 ACCC2042 
                 AS2.1 
               
               
                 AS2.4 
                 AS2.11 
                 AS2.14 
                 AS2.16 
                 AS2.56 
               
               
                 AS2.69 
                 AS2.70 
                 AS2.93 
                 AS2.98 
                 AS2.101 
               
               
                 AS2.109 
                 AS2.110 
                 AS2.112 
                 AS2.139 
                 AS2.173 
               
               
                 AS2.174 
                 AS2.182 
                 AS2.196 
                 AS2.242 
                 AS2.336 
               
               
                 AS2.346 
                 AS2.369 
                 AS2.374 
                 AS2.375 
                 AS2.379 
               
               
                 AS2.380 
                 AS2.382 
                 AS2.390 
                 AS2.393 
                 AS2.395 
               
               
                 AS2.396 
                 AS2.397 
                 AS2.398 
                 AS2.399 
                 AS2.400 
               
               
                 AS2.406 
                 AS2.408 
                 AS2.409 
                 AS2.413 
                 AS2.414 
               
               
                 AS2.415 
                 AS2.416 
                 AS2.422 
                 AS2.423 
                 AS2.430 
               
               
                 AS2.431 
                 AS2.432 
                 AS2.451 
                 AS2.452 
                 AS2.453 
               
               
                 AS2.458 
                 AS2.460 
                 AS2.463 
                 AS2.467 
                 AS2.486 
               
               
                 AS2.501 
                 AS2.502 
                 AS2.503 
                 AS2.504 
                 AS2.516 
               
               
                 AS2.535 
                 AS2.536 
                 AS2.558 
                 AS2.560 
                 AS2.561 
               
               
                 AS2.562 
                 AS2.576 
                 AS2.593 
                 AS2.594 
                 AS2.614 
               
               
                 AS2.620 
                 AS2.628 
                 AS2.631 
                 AS2.666 
                 AS2.982 
               
               
                 AS2.1190 
                 AS2.1364 
                 AS2.1396 
                 IFFI1001 
                 IFFI1002 
               
               
                 IFFI1005 
                 IFFI1006 
                 IFFI1008 
                 IFFI1009 
                 IFFI1010 
               
               
                 IFFI1012 
                 IFFI1021 
                 IFFI1027 
                 IFFI1037 
                 IFFI1042 
               
               
                 IFFI1043 
                 IFFI1045 
                 IFFI1048 
                 IFFI1049 
                 IFFI1050 
               
               
                 IFFI1052 
                 IFFI1059 
                 IFFI1060 
                 IFFI1062 
                 IFFI1063 
               
               
                 IFFI1202 
                 IFFI1203 
                 IFFI1206 
                 IFFI1209 
                 IFFI1210 
               
               
                 IFFI1211 
                 IFFI1212 
                 IFFI1213 
                 IFFI1214 
                 IFFI1215 
               
               
                 IFFI1220 
                 IFFI1221 
                 IFFI1224 
                 IFFI1247 
                 IFFI1248 
               
               
                 IFFI1251 
                 IFFI1270 
                 IFFI1277 
                 IFFI1287 
                 IFFI1289 
               
               
                 IFFI1290 
                 IFFI1291 
                 IFFI1292 
                 IFFI1293 
                 IFFI1297 
               
               
                 IFFI1300 
                 IFFI1301 
                 IFFI1302 
                 IFFI1307 
                 IFFI1308 
               
               
                 IFFI1309 
                 IFFI1310 
                 IFFI1311 
                 IFFI1331 
                 IFFI1335 
               
               
                 IFFI1336 
                 IFFI1337 
                 IFFI1338 
                 IFFI1339 
                 IFFI1340 
               
               
                 IFFI1345 
                 IFFI1348 
                 IFFI1396 
                 IFFI1397 
                 IFFI1399 
               
               
                 IFFI1411 
                 IFFI1413 
                 IFFI1441 
                 IFFI1443 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces cerevisiae  Hansen Var.  ellipsoideus  (Hansen) Dekker 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2043 
                 AS2.2 
                 AS2.3 
                 AS2.8 
                 AS2.53 
               
               
                 AS2.163 
                 AS2.168 
                 AS2.483 
                 AS2.541 
                 AS2.559 
               
               
                 AS2.606 
                 AS2.607 
                 AS2.611 
                 AS2.612 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces chevalieri  Guilliermond 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.131 
                 AS2.213 
               
             
          
           
               
                 
                   Saccharomyces delbrueckii 
                 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.285 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces delbrueckii  Lindner ver.  mongolicus  (Saito) 
               
               
                 Lodder et van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.209 
                 AS2.1157 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces exiguous  Hansen 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.349 
                 AS2.1158 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces fermentati  (Saito) Lodder et van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.286 
                 AS2.343 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces logos  van laer et Denamur ex Jorgensen 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.156 
                 AS2.327 
                 AS2.335 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces mellis  (Fabian et Quinet) Lodder et kreger van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.195 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces mellis  Microellipsoides Osterwalder 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.699 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces oviformis  Osteralder 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.100 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces rosei  (Guilliermond) Lodder et Kreger van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.287 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces rouxii  Boutroux 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.178 
                 AS2.180 
                 AS2.370 
                 AS2.371 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces sake  Yabe 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2045 
               
             
          
           
               
                 
                   Candida arborea 
                 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.566 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida lambica  (Lindner et Genoud) van. Uden et Buckley 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.1182 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida krusei  (Castellani) Berkhout 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.1045 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida lipolytica  (Harrison) Diddens et Lodder 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.1207 
                 AS2.1216 
                 AS2.1220 
                 AS2.1379 
                 AS2.1398 
               
               
                 AS2.1399 
                 AS2.1400 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida parapsilosis  (Ashford) Langeron et Talice Var. 
               
               
                   intermedia  Van Rij et Verona 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.491 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida parapsilosis  (Ashford) Langeron et Talice 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.590 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida pulcherrima  (Lindner) Windisch 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.492 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida rugousa  (Anderson) Diddens et Lodder 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.511 
                 AS2.1367 
                 AS2.1369 
                 AS2.1372 
                 AS2.1373 
               
               
                 AS2.1377 
                 AS2.1378 
                 AS2.1384 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida tropicalis  (Castellani) Berkhout 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2004 
                 ACCC2005 
                 ACCC2006 
                 AS2.164 
                 AS2.402 
               
               
                 AS2.564 
                 AS2.565 
                 AS2.567 
                 AS2.568 
                 AS2.617 
               
               
                 AS2.637 
                 AS2.1387 
                 AS2.1397 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Candida utilis  Henneberg Lodder et Kreger Van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.120 
                 AS2.281 
                 AS2.1180 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Crebrothecium ashbyii  (Guillermond) 
               
               
                 Routein ( Eremothecium ashbyii  Guilliermond) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.481 
                 AS2.482 
                 AS2.1197 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Geotrichum candidum  Link 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2016 
                 AS2.361 
                 AS2.498 
                 AS2.616 
                 AS2.1035 
               
               
                 AS2.1062 
                 AS2.1080 
                 AS2.1132 
                 AS2.1175 
                 AS2.1183 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Hansenula anomala  (Hansen) H et P sydow 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2018 
                 AS2.294 
                 AS2.295 
                 AS2.296 
                 AS2.297 
               
               
                 AS2.298 
                 AS2.299 
                 AS2.300 
                 AS2.302 
                 AS2.338 
               
               
                 AS2.339 
                 AS2.340 
                 AS2.341 
                 AS2.470 
                 AS2.592 
               
               
                 AS2.641 
                 AS2.642 
                 AS2.782 
                 AS2.635 
                 AS2.794 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Hansenula arabitolgens  Fang 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.887 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Hansenula jadinii  (A. et R Sartory Weill et Meyer) Wickerham 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2019 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Hansenula saturnus  (Klocker) H et P sydow 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2020 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Hansenula schneggii  (Weber) Dekker 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.304 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Hansenula subpelliculosa  Bedford 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.740 
                 AS2.760 
                 AS2.761 
                 AS2.770 
                 AS2.783 
               
               
                 AS2.790 
                 AS2.798 
                 AS2.866 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Kloeckera apiculata  (Reess emend. Klocker) Janke 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2022 
                 ACCC2023 
                 AS2.197 
                 AS2.496 
                 AS2.714 
               
               
                 ACCC2021 
                 AS2.711 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Lipomycess starkeyi  Lodder et van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.1390 
                 ACCC2024 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Pichia farinosa  (Lindner) Hansen 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2025 
                 ACCC2026 
                 AS2.86 
                 AS2.87 
                 AS2.705 
               
               
                 AS2.803 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Pichia membranaefaciens  Hansen 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2027 
                 AS2.89 
                 AS2.661 
                 AS2.1039 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Rhodosporidium toruloides  Banno 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2028 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Rhodotorula glutinis  (Fresenius) Harrison 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.2029 
                 AS2.280 
                 ACCC2030 
                 AS2.102 
                 AS2.107 
               
               
                 AS2.278 
                 AS2.499 
                 AS2.694 
                 AS2.703 
                 AS2.704 
               
               
                 AS2.1146 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Rhodotorula minuta  (Saito) Harrison 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.277 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Rhodotorula rubar  (Demme) Lodder 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.21 
                 AS2.22 
                 AS2.103 
                 AS2.105 
                 AS2.108 
               
               
                 AS2.140 
                 AS2.166 
                 AS2.167 
                 AS2.272 
                 AS2.279 
               
               
                 AS2.282 
                 ACCC2031 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Rhodotorula aurantiaca  (Saito) Lodder 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.102 
                 AS2.107 
                 AS2.278 
                 AS2.499 
                 AS2.694 
               
               
                 AS2.703 
                 AS2.704 
                 AS2.1146 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces carlsbergensis  Hansen 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.113 
                 ACCC2032 
                 ACCC2033 
                 AS2.312 
                 AS2.116 
               
               
                 AS2.118 
                 AS2.121 
                 AS2.132 
                 AS2.162 
                 AS2.189 
               
               
                 AS2.200 
                 AS2.216 
                 AS2.265 
                 AS2.377 
                 AS2.417 
               
               
                 AS2.420 
                 AS2.440 
                 AS2.441 
                 AS2.443 
                 AS2.444 
               
               
                 AS2.459 
                 AS2.595 
                 AS2.605 
                 AS2.638 
                 AS2.742 
               
               
                 AS2.745 
                 AS2.748 
                 AS2.1042 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces uvarum  Beijer 
               
             
          
           
               
                 IFFI1023 
                 IFFI1032 
                 IFFI1036 
                 IFFI1044 
                 IFFI1072 
               
               
                 IFFI1205 
                 IFFI1207 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomyces willianus  Saccardo 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.5 
                 AS2.7 
                 AS2.119 
                 AS2.152 
                 AS2.293 
               
               
                 AS2.381 
                 AS2.392 
                 AS2.434 
                 AS2.614 
                 AS2.1189 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Saccharomyces sp. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.311 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomycodes ludwigii  Hansen 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2044 
                 AS2.243 
                 AS2.508 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Saccharomycodes sinenses  Yue 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.1395 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Schizosaccharomyces octosporus  Beijerinck 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2046 
                 AS2.1148 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Schizosaccharomyces pombe  Lindner 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2047 
                 ACCC2048 
                 AS2.214 
                 AS2.248 
                 AS2.249 
               
               
                 AS2.255 
                 AS2.257 
                 AS2.259 
                 AS2.260 
                 AS2.274 
               
               
                 AS2.994 
                 AS2.1043 
                 AS2.1149 
                 AS2.1178 
                 IFFI1056 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Sporobolomyces roseus  Kluyver et van Niel 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2049 
                 ACCC2050 
                 AS2.19 
                 AS2.962 
                 AS2.1036 
               
               
                 ACCC2051 
                 AS2.261 
                 AS2.262 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Torulopsis candida  (Saito) Lodder 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.270 
                 ACCC2052 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Torulopsis famta  (Harrison) Lodder et van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2053 
                 AS2.685 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Torulopsis globosa  (Olson et Hammer) Lodder et van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2054 
                 AS2.202 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Torulopsis inconspicua  Lodder et Kreger van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AS2.75 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Trichosporon behrendii  Lodder et Kreger van Rij 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2056 
                 AS2.1193 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Trichosporon capitatum  Diddens et Lodder 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2056 
                 AS2.1385 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Trichosporon cutaneum  (de Beurm et al.) Ota 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2057 
                 AS2.25 
                 AS2.570 
                 AS2.571 
                 AS2.1374 
               
             
          
           
               
                   Wickerhamia fluorescens  (Soneda) Soneda 
               
             
          
           
               
                 ACCC2058 
                 AS2.1388 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     II. Application of Electromagnetic Fields 
     An electromagnetic field useful in this invention can be generated and applied by various means well known in the art. For instance, the EMF can be generated by applying an alternating electric field or an oscillating magnetic field. 
     Alternating electric fields can be applied to cell cultures through electrodes in direct contact with the culture medium, or through electromagnetic induction. See, e.g., FIG.  1 . Relatively high electric fields in the medium can be generated using a method in which the electrodes are in contact with the medium. Care must be taken to prevent electrolysis at the electrodes from introducing undesired ions into the culture and to prevent contact resistance, bubbles, or other features of electrolysis from dropping the field level below that intended. Electrodes should be matched to their environment, for example, using Ag—AgCl electrodes in solutions rich in chloride ions, and run at as low a voltage as possible. For general review, see Goodman et al.,  Effects of EMF on Molecules and Cells , International Review of Cytology, A Survey of Cell Biology, Vol. 158, Academic Press, 1995. 
     The EMFs useful in this invention can also be generated by applying an oscillating magnetic field. An oscillating magnetic field can be generated by oscillating electric currents going through Helmholtz coils. Such a magnetic field in turn induces an electric field. 
     The frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 9700 to 9850 MHz (e.g., 9750-9800 MHz). Exemplary frequencies are 9768, 9774, 9781, 9787, and 9793 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 150 to 510 mV/cm (e.g., 210-250, 280-320, 310-325, 320-350, 350-380, 380-405, 380-420, or 420-450 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths are 212, 223, 310, 316, 320, 332, 364, 383, 390, 406, and 435 mV/cm. 
     When a series of EMFs are applied to a yeast culture, the yeast culture can remain in the same container while the same set of EMF generator and emitters is used to change the frequency and/or field strength. The EMFs in the series can each have a different frequency or a different field strength; or a different frequency and a different field strength. Such frequencies and field strengths are preferably within the above-described ranges. Although any practical number of EMFs can be used in a series, it may be preferred that the yeast culture be exposed to a total of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 EMFs in a series. 
     Although the yeast cells can be activated after even a few hours of culturing in the presence of an EMF, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 30-200 hours (e.g., 35-100 hours). 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for generating alternating electric fields. An electric field of a desired frequency and intensity is generated by an AC source (3) capable of generating an alternating electric field, preferably in a sinusoidal wave form, in the frequency range of 10 to 20,000 MHz. Signal generators capable of generating signals with a narrower frequency range can also be used. If desirable, a signal amplifier can also be used to increase the output. The activation container (2) can be made from non-conductive metal material, for example, plastics, glass steel, ceramic, and combinations thereof. The wire connecting the activation container (2) and the signal generator (3) is preferably a high frequency coaxial cable with a transmission frequency of at least 30 GHz. 
     The alternating electric field can be applied to the culture by a variety of means, including placing the yeast culture (1) in close proximity to the signal emitters such as a metal wire or tube capable of transmitting EMFs. The metal wire or tube can be made of red copper, and be placed inside the container (2), reaching as deep as 3-30 cm. For example, if the fluid in the container (2) has a depth of 15-20 cm, 20-30 cm, 30-50 cm, 50-70 cm, 70-100 cm, 100-150 cm or 150-200 cm, the metal wire can be 3-5 cm, 5-7 cm, 7-10 cm, 10-15 cm, 15-20 cm, 20-30 cm and 25-30 cm from the bottom of the container (2), respectively. The number of electrode wires used depends on the volume of the culture as well as the diameter of the wires. The number of metal wires/tubes used can be from 1 to 10 (e.g., 2 to 3). It is recommended, though not mandated, that for a culture having a volume up to 10 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 0.5 to 2.0 mm be used. 
     For a culture having a volume between 10 L and 100 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 3.0 to 5.0 mm can be used. For a culture having a volume in the range of 100-1000 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 6.0 to 15.0 mm can be used. For a culture having a volume greater than 1000 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 20.0 to 25.0 mm can be used. 
     In one embodiment, the electric field is applied by electrodes submerged in the culture (1). In this embodiment, one of the electrodes can be a metal plate placed on the bottom of the container (2), and the other electrode can comprise a plurality of electrode wires evenly distributed in the culture (1) so as to achieve even distribution of the electric field energy. The number of electrode wires used depends on the volume of the culture as well as the diameter of the wires. 
     III. Culture Media 
     Culture media useful in this invention contain sources of nutrients assimilable by yeast cells. Complex carbon-containing substances in a suitable form, such as carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, maltose, xylose, cellulose, starches, etc.) and coal, can be the carbon sources for yeast cells. The exact quantity of the carbon sources utilized in the medium can be adjusted in accordance with the other ingredients of the medium. In general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 0.1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 5% (e.g., about 2%). These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances in suitable form (e.g., beef extract and peptone) can also be added individually or in combination. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 0.5% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.3% (e.g., about 0.25%). Among the inorganic salts which can be added to the culture medium are the customary salts capable of yielding sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, and like ions. Non-limiting examples of nutrient inorganic salts are (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 , KH 2 PO 4 , K 2 HPO 4 , CaCO 3 , MgSO 4 , NaCl, and CaSO 4 . 
     IV. Electromagnetic Activation of Yeast Cells 
     To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce substances beneficial for kidney health/functions (e.g., restoring urine secretion and/or lowering of blood urea nitrogen, serum proteinuria and/or creatinine levels), yeast cells of this invention can be activated by being cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20° C.-38° C., preferably at 28-32° C. (e.g., 30° C.) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g., 30-200 hours (e.g., 35-100 hours), in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. 
     An exemplary culture medium is made by mixing 1000 ml of distilled water with 20 g of sucrose, 30 μg of vitamin B 3 , 60 μg of vitamin H, 30 μg of vitamin B 12 , 0.20 g of KH 2 PO 4 , 0.2 g of MgSO 4 .7H 2 O, 0.25 g of NaCl, 0.1 g of CaSO 4 .2H 2 O, 3.0 g of CaCO 3 .5H 2 O, and 2.5 g of peptone. 
     An exemplary set-up of the culturing process is depicted in FIG.  1 . Untreated yeast cells are added to a culture medium at 1×10 8  cells per 1000 ml of the culture medium. The yeast cells may be  Saccharomyces cerevisiae  Hansen AS2.16, or may be selected from any of the strains listed in Table 1. An exemplary activation process of the yeast cells involves the following sequence: the yeast cells are grown in the culture medium for 38-42 hours (e.g., 40 hours) at 28-32° C. and then exposed to (1) an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9768 MHz and a field strength in the range of 310-325 mV/cm (e.g., 320 mV/cm) for 10-22 hours (e.g., 10 hours); (2) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9774 MHz and a field strength in the range of 280-320 mV/cm (e.g., 316 mV/cm) for 16-22 hours (e.g., 20 hours); (3) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9781 MHz and a field strength in the range of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., 364 mV/cm) for 20-25 hours (e.g., 23 hours); (4) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9787 MHz and a field strength in the range of 420-450 mV/cm (e.g., 435 mV/cm) for 16-22 hours (e.g., 21 hours); and (5) finally to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9793 MHz and a field strength in the range of 380-405 mV/cm (e.g., 390 mV/cm) for 11-22 hours (e.g., 11 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at about 4° C. in powder form. The resultant yeast powder preferably contains more than 10 10  cells/g. 
     Subsequently, the activated yeast cells can be measured for their ability to treat kidney diseases (e.g., improve kidney functions) using standard methods known in the art, such as those described in Section VII. 
     V. Acclimatization of Yeast Cells to the Gastric Environment 
     Because the activated yeast cells of this invention must pass through the stomach before reaching the small intestine, where the effective components are released from these yeast cells, it is preferred that these yeasts be cultured under acidic conditions so as to acclimatize the cells to the gastric juice. This acclimatization process results in better viability of the yeast cells in the acidic gastric environment. 
     To achieve this, the yeast powder containing activated yeast cells can be mixed with a highly acidic acclimatizing culture medium at 10 g (containing more than 10 10  activated cells per gram) per 1000 ml. The yeast mixture can then be cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9787 MHz and a field strength in the range of 380-420 mV/cm (e.g., 406 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32° C. for 36-42 hours (e.g., 38 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9793 MHz and a field strength in the range of 380-420 mV/cm (e.g., 390 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32° C. for 25-42 hours (e.g., 25 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art and are either dried and stored in powder form (≧10 10  cells/g) at room temperature or stored in vacuum at 0-4° C. 
     An exemplary acclimatizing culture medium is made by mixing 700 ml fresh pig gastric juice and 300 ml wild Chinese hawthorn extract. The pH of acclimatizing culture medium is adjusted to 2.5 with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 0.2 M potassium biphthalate (C 6 H 4 (COOK)COOH). The fresh pig gastric juice is prepared as follows. At about 4 months of age, newborn Holland white pigs are sacrificed, and the entire contents of their stomachs are retrieved and mixed with 2000 ml of water under sterile conditions. The mixture is then allowed to stand for 6 hours at 4° C. under sterile conditions to precipitate food debris. The supernatant is collected for use in the acclimatizing culture medium. To prepare the wild Chinese hawthorn extract, 500 g of fresh wild Chinese hawthorn is dried under sterile conditions to reduce water content (≦8%). The dried fruit is then ground (≧20 mesh) and added to 1500 ml of sterile water. The hawthorn slurry is allowed to stand for 6 hours at 4° C. under sterile conditions. The hawthorn supernatant is collected to be used in the acclimatizing culture medium. 
     VI. Manufacture of Yeast Compositions 
     To prepare the yeast compositions of the invention, an apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 or an equivalent thereof can be used. This apparatus includes three containers, a first container (1), a second container (2), and a third container (3), each equipped with a pair of electrodes (4). One of the electrodes is a metal plate placed on the bottom of the containers, and the other electrode comprises a plurality of electrode wires evenly distributed in the space within the container to achieve even distribution of the electric field energy. All three pairs of electrodes are connected to a common signal generator. 
     The culture medium used for this purpose is a mixed fruit extract solution containing the following ingredients per 1000 L:300 L of wild Chinese hawthorn extract, 300 L of jujube extract, 300 L of  Schisandra chinensis  (Turez) Baill seeds extract, and 100 L of soy bean extract. To prepare hawthorn, jujube and  Schisandra chinensis  (Turez) Baill seeds extracts, the fresh fruits are washed and dried under sterile conditions to reduce the water content to no higher than 8%. One hundred kilograms of the dried fruits are then ground (≧20 mesh) and added to 400 L of sterile water. The mixtures are stirred under sterile conditions at room temperature for twelve hours, and then centrifuged at 1000 rpm to remove insoluble residues. To make the soy bean extract, fresh soy beans are washed and dried under sterile conditions to reduce the water content to no higher than 8%. Thirty kilograms of dried soy beans are then ground into particles of no smaller than 20 mesh, and added to 130 L of sterile water. The mixture is stirred under sterile conditions at room temperature for twelve hours and centrifuged at 1000 rpm to remove insoluble residues. Once the mixed fruit extract solution is prepared, it is autoclaved at 121° C. for 30 minutes and cooled to below 40° C. before use. 
     One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (1) shown in FIG.  2 . The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9787 MHz and a field strength of about 420-450 mV/cm (e.g., 435 mV/cm) at 28-32° C. under sterile conditions for 12 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9793 MHz and a field strength of 380-400 mV/cm (e.g., 383 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 11 hours at 28-32° C. 
     The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (1) to the second container (2) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available the first container (1)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9787 MHz and a field strength of 320-350 mV/cm (e.g., 332 mV/cm) for 14 hours at 28-32° C. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 9793 MHz and 300-320 mV/cm (e.g., 310 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing process continues for another 10 hours at 28-32° C. 
     The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (2) to the third container (3), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9787 MHz and a field strength of 210-250 mV/cm (e.g., 223 mV/cm) for 18 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 9793 MHz and 210-230 mV/cm (e.g., 212 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 15 hours. 
     The yeast culture from the third container (3) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles for use as dietary supplement. The compositions may conveniently be formulated as health drinks. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken three to four times daily at 30˜60 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably 10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. 
     In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (1000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 4355 g for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38° C. water bath for 30 minutes before use. 
     The yeast compositions of the present invention are derived from yeasts used in food and pharmaceutical industries. The yeast compositions are thus devoid of side effects associated with many conventional pharmaceutical compounds. 
     VII. Examples 
     In order that this invention be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. These examples are for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. 
     The activated yeast compositions used in the following examples were prepared as described above, using  Saccharomyces cerevisiae  Hansen AS2.16 cells, cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control (i.e., untreated) yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner as described in Section VI, supra, except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. All compositions of interest were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding, unless otherwise specified. 
     Example 1 
     Effects of Treatment on Acute Renal Failure 
     To test the ability of the EMF-treated AS2.16 cells to reverse acute renal failure, twenty-four healthy domesticated rabbits (12 males and 12 females, 14-16 months old, about 2 kg body weight) were randomly divided into three equal groups. Urine samples were collected from each rabbit daily for three consecutive days. Each rabbit was subsequently injected with a freshly prepared solution of mercurius corrosivus (0.2%, 2 ml/kg) through the marginal vein of its ear to disrupt nephronal function. 
     On the day after the mercurius corrosivus injection, a composition of interest (3 ml/kg) was administered to each rabbit daily for four consecutive days. Rabbits in Group A were each given the activated yeast composition at a dose of 3 ml/kg body weight. Rabbits in Groups B and C were treated in the same manner, except that they were given the control yeast composition and saline, respectively, in lieu of the activated yeast composition. Urine samples were collected and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the blood stream were analyzed by flame photometry. These results were summarized in Tables 2 and 3. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Effects of Treatment on Urine Secretion 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Urine (ml) 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Three Days Before the 
                 Three Days After the 
               
               
                   
                 Mercurius Corrosivus 
                 Mercurius Corrosivus 
               
               
                 Group 
                 Injection 
                 Injection 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 104.32 ± 26.73 
                 98.79 ± 3.44 
               
               
                 B 
                 103.71 ± 22.17 
                  4.08 ± 0.04 
               
               
                 C 
                 102.35 ± 27.81 
                 0 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Effects of Treatment on BUN levels 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 BUN (mg/100 ml) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Before the Mercurius Corrosivus Injection 
                   
                 After the Mercurius Corrosivus Injection 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Group 
                 Day 1 
                 Day 2 
                 Day 3 
                   
                 Day 1 
                 Day 2 
                 Day 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 11.21 ± 1.58 
                 16.58 ± 3.56 
                 16.04 ± 4.57 
                   
                 31.22 ± 11.23 
                 24.52 ± 21.42 
                 17.85 ± 14.47 
               
               
                 B 
                 12.95 ± 2.12 
                 17.12 ± 5.32 
                 16.89 ± 7.05 
                   
                 54.54 ± 31.27 
                 55.27 ± 24.25 
                 82.56 ± 32.41 
               
               
                 C 
                 13.05 ± 5.02 
                 15.42 ± 8.85 
                 14.21 ± 5.24 
                   
                 53.27 ± 27.12 
                 54.48 ± 22.14 
                 85.56 ± 32.14 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     On the day after the last administration, each rabbit was sacrificed and its chest and abdominal cavities were opened. The fluid retained in the cavities was collected and measured. The results were summarized in Table 4. Histological sections were prepared from both kidneys and observed under a microscope. The observations were shown in Table 5. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Fluid from Chest and Abdominal Cavities 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Ascites in Chest and 
                   
               
               
                 Group 
                 Abdominal Cavities (ml) 
                 Observations 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 0 ± 0 
                 no fluid retention; no unusual odor 
               
               
                 B 
                 122.54 ± 33.45 
                 excess fluid retention; odious 
               
               
                 C 
                 123.24 ± 45.13 
                 excess fluid retention; odious 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Cell Counts in Renal Histological Sections 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 number of damaged cells in every 
               
               
                   
                 100 cells counted 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Number of Dead Cortical Nephrons 
                 213 
                 379 
                 389 
               
               
                 Number of Cortical Nephrons with 
                 55 
                 193 
                 185 
               
               
                 Damaged Basal Membrane 
               
               
                 Number of Medullary Nephrons with 
                 21 
                 162 
                 142 
               
               
                 Damaged Basal Membrane 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The above results show that unlike the controls, the activated composition restored urine secretion, decreased the BUN level after the first day of administration and mitigated the nephrotoxicity effect of mercurius corrosivus (there was even new cell growth in basal membranes). 
     Example 2 
     Effects of Treatment on Chronic Renal Failure 
     To test the ability of the EMF-treated AS2.16 cells to ameliorate chronic renal failure, thirty healthy male Wistar rats (5-6 months old, about 150 to 200 g body weight) were selected and six were set aside as controls (Group D). The remaining twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three equal groups, Groups A, B and C. Under anesthesia amobarbital (2.5-3.0 ml/100 g body weight), each of those twenty-four rats was laid prone on an operating table and its posterior abdominal cavity was opened under sterile conditions. The right kidney was exposed and two thirds of the cortical tissue (about 0.45-0.5 g) of the right kidney was removed. After bleeding was stopped, the muscular tissue was injected with penicillin to prevent infection. The wound opening was then closed by stitches. One week later, the abdominal cavity was re-opened by the same method. The renal pedicel was ligated with a ligature and the left kidney was removed. Urine samples were collected for twenty-four hours, during which the rat was given water but no food. The collected urine samples were preserved with xylene and the proteinuria concentration in the samples was determined. Blood samples were collected from the tail and the carotid artery at least eight hours after feeding with water only. BUN levels and serum creatinine readings in blood samples were also determined. 
     Subsequently, a composition of interest (3 ml/kg body weight) was administered to each of the operated rats daily for the next ten weeks, starting from one week after the surgery. Rats in Group A were each given the activated yeast composition at a dose of 3 ml/kg body weight. Rats in Groups B and C were treated in the same manner, except that they were given the control yeast composition and tap water, respectively, in lieu of the activated yeast composition. Rats in Group D were treated in the same manner as those in Group C, except that the former were not operated on. Urine samples were collected for twenty-four hours and the proteinuria concentration was determined. BUN levels and serum creatinine readings were also measured as described above. Each rat was sacrificed twenty-four hours after the last administration of the composition. The results were summarized in Tables 6 and 7. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Urine Secretion of Male Wistar Rats. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Urine (ml, 24 hours) 
                   
                 Proteinuria (mg, 24 hours) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Prior to 
                 After 
                   
                 Prior to 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Administra- 
                 Administra- 
                   
                 Administra- 
                 After 
               
               
                 Group 
                 tion 
                 tion 
                   
                 tion 
                 Administration 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 10.4 ± 1.7 
                 23.6 ± 2.8 
                   
                 9.7 ± 3.4 
                 5.6 ± 1.8 
               
               
                 B 
                 10.8 ± 1.8 
                 12.6 ± 3.7 
                   
                 9.9 ± 3.8 
                 11.2 ± 2.7  
               
               
                 C 
                 10.2 ± 2.4 
                 14.5 ± 5.2 
                   
                 10.6 ± 2.3  
                 19.2 ± 3.2  
               
               
                 D 
                  6.5 ± 2.1 
                  9.6 ± 2.7 
                   
                 5.1 ± 1.9 
                 6.2 ± 2.1 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Serum BUN and Creatinine Levels of Male Wistar Rats. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 BUN (mM) 
                   
                 Serum Creatinine (mM) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Prior to 
                 After 
                   
                   
                 After 
               
               
                   
                 Administra- 
                 Administra- 
                   
                 Prior to 
                 Administra- 
               
               
                 Group 
                 tion 
                 tion 
                   
                 Administration 
                 tion 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 16.7 ± 0.5 
                 7.4 ± 0.6 
                   
                 99.8 ± 22.1 
                 42.3 ± 6.5 
               
               
                 B 
                 18.2 ± 2.3 
                 17.5 ± 0.6  
                   
                 104.5 ± 3.7  
                 102.4 ± 2.4  
               
               
                 C 
                 18.6 ± 3.2 
                 17.2 ± 2.3  
                   
                 102.5 ± 27   
                 164.4 ± 22.3 
               
               
                 D 
                  7.8 ± 0.7 
                 4.2 ± 0.3 
                   
                 25.2 ± 4.5  
                 36.2 ± 10.5  
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The above results show that the activated yeast composition increased urine secretion, decreased proteinuria concentration, and lowered BUN and serum creatinine levels. In contrast, the control yeast composition demonstrate no such effects. 
     Additionally, rats given the activated yeast composition show no noticeable changes in their dietary habit and body weight, demonstrating that the composition has no adverse effects on the health of the rats. 
     While a number of embodiments of this invention have been set forth, it is apparent that the basic constructions may be altered to provide other embodiments which utilize the compositions and methods of this invention.