Abstract

Role of intestinal microbiota in cardiovascular disease risk in end stage renal disease patients

Author(s): Ashraf Okba, Rasha Shahin, Aber Baki, Dina Sheha, Mohamed Mekawy & Motaz Farag

Chronic inflammation is considered as a non-traditional risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. Recent studies have revealed that alterations in gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier have been associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in CKD patients which in turn promotes adverse cardiovascular outcomes and CKD progression. The purpose of our study was to assess the alteration of beneficial gut microbiota mainly Lactobacillus acidophilus in fecal samples of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and the extent of its effect by the co-existence of cardiovascular complications. Forty patients with ESRD, another forty ESRD with CVD and 20 healthy adults participated in the study. The fecal composition of Lactobacillus acidophilus was identified using de Man Rogosa Sharp agar followed by further confirmation using polymerase chain reaction technique. A significant abundance of Lactobacillus acidophilus in ESRD patients compared to controls was noticed, and this increase was detected mainly in ESRD patients with CVD. Furthermore, Lactobacillus acidophilus was not correlated significantly with serum cholesterol, triglycerides or urinary protein creatinine ratio. In conclusion, Lactobacillus acidophilus as a beneficial microbiome has no protective role against progression of CKD and CVD risks. Thus, the exact role of gut microbiota in CKD progression has not been yet fully elucidated and further investigation will be needed.


PDF