Gut microbiota changes in diabetic kidney disease contribute to chronic inflammation and vascular complications

The study, led by Ruchi Singh, PhD, sought to assess how gut microbiota -- measured by biomarkers for compromised metabolism, leaky gut syndrome, and diminished clearance -- affected the vascular health of CKD patients (stage 4 and 5) with diabetic nephropathy. These included plasma zonulin, inflammatory cytokines (transcription necrosis factor α [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6]) in conjunction with fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), the vasoconstrictor endothelin 1 (ET-1), and levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Researchers evaluated the diets in 40 participants, including age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Their TNF-α, IL-6, FGF-23, ET-1, and LPS levels were measured, and gut microbiota analyzed.

"We observed significant gut microbiome shifts in CKD patients with diabetes compared with age, gender, and diet match control subjects," Dr. Singh said. Patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced CKD exhibited a greater proportion of LPS-producing bacteria. Furthermore, significantly elevated circulating serum zonulin pointed to a prominent increase in gut permeability.

"This study is one of the first steps to better understand how patients with advanced CKD and type 2 diabetes mellitus might be impacted by gut microbiome diversity shifts," Dr. Singh said, "and how the manipulation of the structure and functions of human microbiota will allow effective prevention and treatment of these conditions."

Study: "Association between Gut Microbiome and Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus" (Abstract FR-PO530)