Gut microbiota dynamics and uraemic toxins: one size does not fit all

In the recent paper by Chu and colleagues,1 the potential role of microbiota-related metabolites in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is discussed. This topic has been studied in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterised by changes in gut microbiota composition,2 accumulation of microbiota-derived metabolites,3 interruption of intestinal barrier function and chronic inflammation.4 In line with this, we focused, in a cohort of 17 patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), on the role of gut microbiota in the generation of precursors of specific uraemic toxins which are associated with negative outcomes in these patients.5 By collecting multiple samples over time, assessment of variability within and between patients in relation to disease progress and clinical variables was possible. Faecal and serum samples were collected at eight time-points over a 4-month period (online ). Uraemic metabolites and microbial profiling...

https://ift.tt/2qXjr0j