The microbiota in the progression of renal failure

The gut microbiota is known to affect the systemic inflammatory state and progression of kidney disease. In this study, researchers evaluated the links between key biomarkers of chronic kidney disease and altered gut microbiota following antibiotic treatment. The study involved 61 patients, for whom 59 plasma metabolites were assessed for their role in the transition from acute to chronic renal failure. At the same time, analyses were carried out in a mouse model. TMAO was associated with a significant increase in the risk of progression to chronic renal failure. In vitro, TMAO induced fibrosis with activation of NOX2 and oxidative stress.