Article
Cell Biology
Jung Sun Park, Dong-Hyun Kim, Hoon-In Choi, Chang Seong Kim, Eun Hui Bae, Seong Kwon Ma, Soo Wan Kim
Summary: This study investigated the effects of uremic toxins on ferroptosis in the kidney, finding that protein-bound uremic toxins can induce ferroptosis and result in cell death.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tino Vollmer, Bernd Stegmayr
Summary: The syndrome of uremic toxicity is a complex toxic environment in the body, where various uremic substances accumulate and harm organ systems. Animal experiments may not always reflect the reactions in human patients, and studying one organ system is limited in understanding the complexity of uremic situation. By establishing a human spermatozoa-based cell model, this study explores aspects relevant for cellular toxicity research and the potential for clinical application.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuji Oe, Nobuyuki Takahashi
Summary: Coagulation abnormalities are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Tissue factor plays a key role in promoting coagulation and inflammation, exacerbating renal injury.
Article
Immunology
Robson E. Silva, Eliziaria C. Santos, Patricia B. Justino, Margarida P. Santos, Giovane Galdino, Reggiani Goncalves, Romulo D. Novaes
Summary: The relationship between dialysis adequacy and circulating levels of inflammatory mediators was investigated, showing that low Kt/V results and creatinine accumulation may serve as potential indicators of systemic inflammatory stress.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sevigean Ali, Mihaela Botnarciuc, Lavinia Carmen Daba, Sorina Ispas, Alina Mihaela Stanigut, Camelia Pana, Marian-Catalin Burcila, Liliana-Ana Tuta
Summary: There is limited research on decreased platelet count in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but platelet functions are altered in the uremic environment, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. This study monitored 104 CKD patients with thrombocytopenia who received platelet transfusion and evaluated their prognosis. The results showed that in patients with multiple comorbidities, 4.83% still experienced severe uncontrolled hemorrhages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vasily A. Popkov, Anastasia A. Zharikova, Evgenia A. Demchenko, Nadezda V. Andrianova, Dmitry B. Zorov, Egor Y. Plotnikov
Summary: This study presents a novel bioinformatics approach to identify the origin of uremic retention solutes and uremic toxins, particularly those produced by gut microbiota. The research utilizes database analysis and enzymatic reaction data to determine the potential toxins synthesized by bacteria residing in the human gut. The findings reveal the link between toxin concentration in uremia and the proportion of different bacterial species that can produce the toxin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annapaola Coppola, Carmela Vigorito, Patrizia Lombari, Yuselys Garcia Martinez, Margherita Borriello, Francesco Trepiccione, Diego Ingrosso, Alessandra F. Perna
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effect of a new uremic toxin called lanthionine on vascular calcification. The results showed that lanthionine can promote calcification in human endothelial cells by increasing calcium content, inducing the expression of important genes related to mineralization, and affecting the activity of certain proteins. These findings provide insights into the link between uremic toxins and mineral-bone disorder in chronic kidney disease.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Solene M. Laville, Ziad A. Massy, Said Kamel, Jean Marc Chillon, Gabriel Choukroun, Sophie Liabeuf
Summary: Chronic kidney disease is associated with high comorbidity burden, polymedication, and high mortality. Uremic toxins are valuable therapeutic targets, with intestinal chelators potentially having a therapeutic effect. Phosphate binders and AST-120 are used to reduce levels of uremic toxins.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Roshni Meghnani, Mohit Kumar, G. Pugazhenthi, Vasanth Dhakshinamoorthy
Summary: Low cost ceramic membranes were fabricated for hemofiltration using inexpensive precursors via compaction method. The membranes' properties, such as porosity, pore size, and water permeability, were evaluated at different sintering temperatures. The membranes showed good pH and chlorine tolerance, and the one sintered at 900°C exhibited superior biocompatibility for hemofiltration application.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joao Faria, Sabbir Ahmed, Dimitrios Stamatialis, Marianne C. Verhaar, Rosalinde Masereeuw, Karin G. F. Gerritsen, Silvia M. Mihaila
Summary: Patients with end-stage kidney disease suffer from high levels of protein-bound uremic toxins. Conventional dialysis methods are ineffective in removing these toxins. A potential solution could be a bioartificial kidney composed of membranes with proximal tubule epithelial cells that actively secrete these toxins. However, the development of this bioartificial kidney is hampered by a lack of knowledge regarding the cytocompatibility of the dialysis fluid. This study shows that the dialysis fluid does not affect the viability or function of the cells, and efficiently clears the toxins from the perfusion fluid.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Claire Rigothier, Sylvain Catros, Antoine Benard, Johan Samot, Olivier Quintin, Christian Combe, Islam Larabi, Ziad Massy, Jean-Claude Alvarez
Summary: This study found an association between dental health issues in patients with chronic kidney disease and the accumulation of uremic toxins in saliva. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zarina Ebrahim, Sebastian Proost, Raul Yhossef Tito, Jeroen Raes, Griet Glorieux, Mohammed Rafique Moosa, Renee Blaauw
Summary: There is growing evidence that gut dysbiosis contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease. This study found that ss-glucan prebiotic has a positive effect on kidney function, uremic toxins, and the gut microbiome in CKD participants.
Review
Physiology
Ying Xu, Wen-Di Bi, Yu-Xuan Shi, Xin-Rui Liang, Hai-Yan Wang, Xue-Li Lai, Xiao-Lu Bian, Zhi-Yong Guo
Summary: Uremic toxins are chemicals that accumulate in the body fluids of individuals with kidney disease and impaired renal function. There are over 130 types of uremic toxins, and efforts are being made to increase this number. Despite emerging approaches to remove these toxins, there are still some harmful toxins that prove to be difficult to eliminate. This article reviews the derivation and elimination of uremic toxins, discusses the function of the kidney-gut axis and methods for toxin removal, as well as introduces promising approaches to effectively remove these toxins.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Griet Glorieux, Sanjay K. Nigam, Raymond Vanholder, Francis Verbeke
Summary: Homeostasis is crucial for maintaining health, especially in the context of the gut microbiota. The communication and exchange of metabolites, signaling molecules, and toxins between different organs and organisms play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis. Disruptions in the gut microbiota can lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites, impacting the cardiovascular system and contributing to kidney dysfunction. Preserving gut homeostasis and barrier functions can potentially improve patient outcomes and quality of life in diseases such as cardiovascular and kidney disease.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paula C. Silveira-Silva, Robson E. Silva, Eliziaria C. Santos, Patricia B. I. Justino, Margarida P. Santos, Reggiani Goncalves, Romulo D. Novaes
Summary: Controlling systemic proinflammatory and prooxidant effectors is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, monitoring these processes is challenging due to limited understanding of their determinants and predictors. This study investigated the relationship between advanced glycosylation end products (AGE) and proinflammatory and prooxidant effectors in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The results showed that AGE accumulation was associated with elevated proinflammatory and prooxidant markers, suggesting that monitoring AGE levels may help predict systemic inflammatory stress and the balance between oxidant and antioxidant status in ESRD patients.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kenneth Daniel, Luis Vitetta, Maria A. Fiatarone Singh
Summary: Olive-based interventions show promising effects in murine models of UC, with milder disease outcomes favoring the intervention in most studies, suggesting potential clinical relevance. However, further research is needed to determine if these effects would translate to individuals living with UC.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jiezhong Chen, Luis Vitetta
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Jiezhong Chen, Luis Vitetta, Jeremy D. Henson, Sean Hall
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can progress to severe conditions and is associated with gut dysbiosis. Controlling inflammation is crucial in preventing disease progression. This review focuses on the roles of tryptophan and its metabolites in NASH, in association with gut dysbiosis, and discusses potential therapeutic implications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRYPTOPHAN RESEARCH
(2022)
Letter
Oncology
Luis Vitetta, Jason F. Sikali, Courtney Fletcher, Jeremy D. Henson
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soisungwan Satarug, David A. Vesey, Glenda C. Gobe
Summary: Cadmium is a toxic metal that accumulates in kidneys, particularly in proximal tubular epithelial cells, affecting the reabsorption of proteins in the glomerular ultrafiltrate. This study analyzed data on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and excretion rates of various proteins, finding a positive correlation between Cd excretion and proteinuria, while eGFR was negatively associated with Cd excretion. Higher Cd excretion rates were linked to increased odds of proteinuria and low eGFR. These findings suggest that Cd exposure diminishes both eGFR and tubular protein retrieval, with a preferential reabsorption of albumin in the kidneys.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gabrielle Ritchie, Esben Strodl, Sophie Parham, Matthew Bambling, Susanna Cramb, Luis Vitetta
Summary: This study examines the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with and without anxious distress. The results suggest that there are significant differences in the relative abundance of gut microbiota between the two subtypes, although no differences were found in alpha-diversity, richness, evenness or beta diversity.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Robert J. Ellis, Cameron R. M. Moffatt, Luke T. Aaron, Greta Beaverson, Khin Chaw, Corinne Curtis, Rhett Freeman-Lamb, Deborah Judd, Khadija Khatry, Yee Sum Li, Terry Nash, Bonnie Macfarlane, Karen Slater, Yudish Soonarane, Mark Stickley, Satyamurthy Anuradha
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify characteristics associated with hospitalization and death of people with COVID-19 in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). The study found that age and gender were associated with increased likelihood of hospitalization and death. Diseases such as dementia, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and asthma also increased the risk of hospitalization. Receiving three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a lower likelihood of hospitalization or death.
MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Soisungwan Satarug, David A. Vesey, Glenda C. Gobe, Supabhorn Yimthiang, Aleksandra Buha Dordevic
Summary: The increased level of cadmium (Cd) in food crops, especially rice, is a concern due to its status as a staple food for a large percentage of the population. However, research on albuminuria in high exposure conditions is limited.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lukas Kuhnel, Thomas Vu, Simon T. Wood, Ross S. Francis, Peter Trnka, Robert J. Ellis
Summary: This study characterized the relationship between cortical/medullary thickness and measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in 390 living kidney donors. The results showed a positive correlation between medullary thickness and GFR, but no correlation between cortical thickness and GFR. The researchers proposed that this reflects a correlation between juxtamedullary nephron number and GFR.
INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Supabhorn Yimthiang, David A. Vesey, Phisit Pouyfung, Tanaporn Khamphaya, Glenda C. Gobe, Soisungwan Satarug
Summary: Chronic cadmium exposure can cause kidney damage, leading to a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and tubular proteinuria. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is characterized by albuminuria and declining GFR, and exposure to cadmium can worsen the progression of kidney disease in diabetics. A study involving 88 diabetics and 88 controls found that even low levels of cadmium exposure were associated with tubular dysfunction and increased risk of albuminuria, especially in individuals with a higher body burden of cadmium, hypertension, and reduced eGFR.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Luis Vitetta, Matthew Bambling, Esben Strodl
Summary: The effect of the intestinal microbiome on the gut-brain axis is important and complex, with evidence showing that intestinal bacteria can influence emotions and behavior. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have potential health benefits including immunomodulation, but their efficacy in improving mood can vary and depends on multiple factors. Understanding the pathways linking probiotics with mood improvements can help identify the factors that contribute to their effectiveness. Adjunctive therapies with probiotics for mood disorders may have the ability to enhance beneficial mood dispositions through molecular mechanisms such as DNA methylation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Soisungwan Satarug, Supabhorn Yimthiang, Phisit Pouyfung, Tanaporn Khamphaya, David A. Vesey
Summary: The global prevalence of diabetes and its major complication, diabetic nephropathy, is at an epidemic level. Cadmium exposure can induce kidney damage, but little is known about its nephrotoxicity in the diabetic population. A study compared cadmium exposure, kidney function, and tubular dysfunction in diabetics and non-diabetics in Thailand. The results showed that diabetics had a higher risk of tubular dysfunction and reduced kidney function compared to non-diabetics. Cadmium exposure and beta(2)-microglobulin excretion were associated with kidney damage. Tubular dysfunction was more severe in diabetics even after adjusting for other factors.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luis Vitetta, Nick N. Gorgani, Gemma Vitetta, Jeremy D. Henson
Summary: Hypoglycemic medications that can be used together with prebiotics and functional foods can reduce the burden of metabolic diseases, particularly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The combination treatment improves the gut microbiome by increasing the diversity of microbial niches and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. This leads to higher levels of short-chain fatty acids, which provide energy sources for the gut microbiome and improve intestinal health. The treatment also improves gut barrier integrity and reduces the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Supabhorn Yimthiang, David A. Vesey, Glenda C. Gobe, Phisit Pouyfung, Tanaporn Khamphaya, Soisungwan Satarug
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between cadmium exposure and renal pathologies in residents of Cd-polluted and non-polluted regions in Thailand. It was found that chronic cadmium exposure was associated with tubulopathy and a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), particularly in women. The study also revealed that cadmium-induced impairment in protein reabsorption and nephron loss contributed to the increase in tubulopathy.
Article
Oncology
Luis Vitetta
Summary: Investigations on the human microbiome have changed the focus of medicine on bacteria. A recent research review suggests that commensal intestinal bacteria may have the capacity to modulate the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy through immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Evidence has shown that the intestinal microbiome can modulate outcomes of ICIs therapies through antigen-specific and antigen-independent mechanisms.
