Microbiota and kidney disease: the road ahead

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nephrology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 850 million people worldwide, representing 10-15% of adults.
• The human body hosts trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as microbiota, which dynamically influence host health.
• Functional links between resident microorganisms and kidney health are recognized, but are altered in kidney diseases like CKD, acute kidney injury, and renal stone disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanisms by which microorganisms regulate host organ function.
• To understand the impact of kidney disease on the gut microbiome.
• To explore the development of microbe-targeted therapeutics for kidney disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature and preclinical study data.
• Analysis of the interplay between host physiology and microbial communities in kidney disease.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and strategic approaches for future research.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports functional connections between microbiota and kidney health, altered in various kidney diseases.
• Preclinical studies indicate that targeting gut microbial pathways shows therapeutic promise for kidney disease.
• Kidney disease significantly impacts the gut microbiome composition and function.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the gut microbiota presents a promising avenue for novel kidney disease therapeutics.
• Further research is needed to address key knowledge gaps in microbiota-targeted therapies.
• Understanding the gut microbiome's role is crucial for advancing kidney disease treatment and management.