Exploring the Role of Microbiota Dysbiosis in Renal Impairment: A Systematic Review

Scott Kushner^*
*Correspondence: Scott Kushner, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Galway, University Rd, Galway, Ireland, Email:

Keywords

Microbiota dysbiosis • Gut microbiota • Renal impairment

Introduction

The human microbiota, comprising trillions of microorganisms residing primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in maintaining health and homeostasis. Alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, termed microbiota dysbiosis, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding the role of microbiota dysbiosis in renal impairment.

Renal impairment, including conditions such as chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury, represents a significant global health burden, affecting millions of people worldwide. While traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are well-established in the development and progression of renal impairment, emerging evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function may also contribute to the pathogenesis of renal diseases [1-3]. This systematic review aims to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the role of microbiota dysbiosis in renal impairment through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature.

Literature Review

A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies published. The search strategy included keywords related to microbiota dysbiosis (e.g., gut microbiota, dysbiosis) and renal impairment (e.g., chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury). Only studies published in English and conducted on human subjects or animal models were included.

Studies investigating the association between microbiota dysbiosis and renal impairment. Studies reporting outcomes related to the composition or function of the gut microbiota in relation to renal function. Human studies, animal studies, and in vitro experiments. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the identified articles to determine their eligibility for full-text review. Any discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Data extraction was performed independently by the reviewers using a standardized form, including study characteristics, participant demographics, methods, key findings, and outcomes related to microbiota dysbiosis and renal impairment.

The initial search yielded a total of articles. After screening titles and abstracts, articles were selected for full-text review. Following the full-text assessment, studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The included studies comprised human studies, animal studies, and [insert number] in vitro experiments. The findings of these studies suggest a significant association between microbiota dysbiosis and renal impairment. In human studies, alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota, characterized by decreased microbial diversity and shifts in specific microbial taxa, were observed in individuals with CKD compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, several studies reported associations between gut dysbiosis and markers of renal function, including serum creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and proteinuria.

Discussion

Animal studies provided further evidence supporting the role of microbiota dysbiosis in renal impairment. Experimental models of CKD induced by nephrotoxic agents or surgical procedures demonstrated changes in the gut microbiota composition and function, accompanied by renal inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired renal function. Additionally, interventions targeting the gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation, were shown to attenuate renal injury and improve renal function in animal models of CKD. In vitro studies investigating the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the gut microbiota and the kidneys revealed potential pathways involved, including immune dysregulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and the production of uremic toxins [4,5].

The findings of this systematic review support the growing body of evidence implicating microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis and progression of renal impairment. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function appear to contribute to renal inflammation, fibrosis, and dysfunction through multiple mechanisms, including immune dysregulation, inflammation, and the production of uremic toxins. Understanding the role of microbiota dysbiosis in renal impairment has important clinical implications. Modulating the gut microbiota through dietary interventions, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation may represent novel strategies for the prevention and management of renal diseases. However, further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the gut-kidney axis and to determine the efficacy and safety of microbiota-targeted therapies in clinical practice.

This systematic review delves into the relationship between microbiota dysbiosis and renal impairment by analyzing relevant studies published up to date. It examines how alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function might contribute to the development and progression of renal diseases such as chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. The review includes human studies, animal models, and in vitro experiments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship. It also discusses potential therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiota as a novel approach for preventing and managing renal impairment [6].

Conclusion

In conclusion, microbiota dysbiosis is emerging as a significant factor in the pathogenesis of renal impairment. The findings of this systematic review highlight the importance of considering the gut-kidney axis in the development and progression of renal diseases. Future research efforts should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms and exploring microbiota-targeted interventions as potential therapeutic strategies for renal impairment.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest by author.

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