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Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Nephrotoxin Microinjection in Zebrafish to Model Acute Kidney Injury
Published on: July 17, 2016
The microbiome and acute organ injury: focus on kidneys
Shishir Kumar Patel1, Mahta Gooya1, Qisen Guo1
1Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Abstract:
The microbiome of critically ill patients is significantly altered by both effects of the illnesses and clinical interventions provided during intensive care. Studies have shown that manipulating the microbiome can prevent or modulate complications of critical illness in experimental models and preliminary clinical trials. This review aims to discuss general concepts about the microbiome, including mechanisms of modifying acute organ dysfunction. The focus will be on the effects of microbiome modulation during experimental acute kidney injury (excluding septic acute kidney injury) and comparison with other experimental acute organ injuries commonly seen in critically ill patients.
Insights
Altering the gut microbiome may help prevent complications in critically ill patients. This review explores microbiome modulation strategies for acute organ dysfunction, focusing on acute kidney injury.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- The human microbiome is significantly altered in critically ill patients due to illness and intensive care interventions.
- Microbiome manipulation shows promise in preventing or modulating critical illness complications in preclinical and early clinical studies.
Approach:
- This review discusses general microbiome concepts and mechanisms for modifying acute organ dysfunction.
- It focuses on microbiome modulation in experimental acute kidney injury (non-septic) and compares findings with other acute organ injuries in critical care.
Key Points:
- Microbiome alterations are a hallmark of critical illness.
- Targeting the microbiome offers a potential therapeutic strategy for critical care complications.
- Experimental models of acute kidney injury provide insights into microbiome modulation effects.
Conclusions:
- Microbiome modulation is a developing field with potential therapeutic applications in critical care.
- Understanding microbiome-organ interactions is crucial for managing acute organ dysfunction.
- Further research is needed to translate microbiome modulation strategies into clinical practice for critically ill patients.
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