Evaluation of Gut Bacteria in Patients With Polycystic Kidney Disease

Studies have shown that gut microbes can influence numerous aspects of human biology, and alterations in the function and composition of gut microbial flora (microbiota) play a major role in the pathogenesis of diverse human illnesses such as chronic inflammation, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. Gut microbes provide protection against pathogenic organisms, contribute to energy metabolism, serve a clear role in the development and modulation of the human gut immune system, and participate in nitrogen and micronutrient homeostasis by synthesizing amino acids and various vitamins. However, whether the composition of gut microbes is altered in human with renal failure has not been clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, whether alterations in the gut microbiota due to renal failure contribute to development of co-morbid conditions associated with CKD has never been examined. There are several lines of evidence to suggest that the gut microbiota is likely altered in patients with CKD. It has been established that protein assimilation in the small intestine is impaired in CKD . To examine the impact of renal failure on the composition of gut microbiota we are studying patients with renal failure due to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure, and is the most common genetic kidney disease. Compared to patients with renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis, patients with PKD have virtually no major co-morbid medical conditions or associated medical interventions (i.e. antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory therapies) that could potentially alter the gut microbiota, and confound the interpretation of data. Objectives 1. To compare the gut microbiota in fecal samples of PKD patients with different degrees of renal disease. 2. To determine whether alteration in the composition of gut microbiota is linked to serum levels of metabolites and uremic solutes that are known to be associated with symptoms of uremia.