1
|
Abstract
Homeostasis is a prerequisite for health. When homeostasis becomes disrupted, dysfunction occurs. This is especially the case for the gut microbiota, which under normal conditions lives in symbiosis with the host. As there are as many microbial cells in and on our body as human cells, it is unlikely they would not contribute to health or disease. The gut bacterial metabolism generates numerous beneficial metabolites but also uremic toxins and their precursors, which are transported into the circulation. Barrier function in the intestine, the heart, and the kidneys regulates metabolite transport and concentration and plays a role in inter-organ and inter-organism communication via small molecules. This communication is analyzed from the perspective of the remote sensing and signaling theory, which emphasizes the role of a large network of multispecific, oligospecific, and monospecific transporters and enzymes in regulating small-molecule homeostasis. The theory provides a systems biology framework for understanding organ cross talk and microbe-host communication involving metabolites, signaling molecules, nutrients, antioxidants, and uremic toxins. This remote small-molecule communication is critical for maintenance of homeostasis along the gut-heart-kidney axis and for responding to homeostatic perturbations. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by gut dysbiosis and accumulation of toxic metabolites. This slowly impacts the body, affecting the cardiovascular system and contributing to the progression of kidney dysfunction, which in its turn influences the gut microbiota. Preserving gut homeostasis and barrier functions or restoring gut dysbiosis and dysfunction could be a minimally invasive way to improve patient outcomes and quality of life in many diseases, including cardiovascular and kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Griet Glorieux
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium (G.G., R.V., F.V.)
| | - Sanjay K Nigam
- Department of Pediatrics (S.K.N.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (S.K.N.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Raymond Vanholder
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium (G.G., R.V., F.V.)
| | - Francis Verbeke
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium (G.G., R.V., F.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Coppola A, Lombari P, Mazzella E, Capolongo G, Simeoni M, Perna AF, Ingrosso D, Borriello M. Zebrafish as a Model of Cardiac Pathology and Toxicity: Spotlight on Uremic Toxins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065656. [PMID: 36982730 PMCID: PMC10052014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing health care problem. About 10% of the general population is affected by CKD, representing the sixth cause of death in the world. Cardiovascular events are the main mortality cause in CKD, with a cardiovascular risk 10 times higher in these patients than the rate observed in healthy subjects. The gradual decline of the kidney leads to the accumulation of uremic solutes with a negative effect on every organ, especially on the cardiovascular system. Mammalian models, sharing structural and functional similarities with humans, have been widely used to study cardiovascular disease mechanisms and test new therapies, but many of them are rather expensive and difficult to manipulate. Over the last few decades, zebrafish has become a powerful non-mammalian model to study alterations associated with human disease. The high conservation of gene function, low cost, small size, rapid growth, and easiness of genetic manipulation are just some of the features of this experimental model. More specifically, embryonic cardiac development and physiological responses to exposure to numerous toxin substances are similar to those observed in mammals, making zebrafish an ideal model to study cardiac development, toxicity, and cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Coppola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Lombari
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira Mazzella
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Capolongo
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariadelina Simeoni
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra F. Perna
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Diego Ingrosso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Borriello
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Caggiano G, Stasi A, Franzin R, Fiorentino M, Cimmarusti MT, Deleonardis A, Palieri R, Pontrelli P, Gesualdo L. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Reducing Uremic Toxins Accumulation in Kidney Disease: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15020115. [PMID: 36828429 PMCID: PMC9965504 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, the gut microbiome emerged as a key player in kidney disease. Dysbiosis-related uremic toxins together with pro-inflammatory mediators are the main factors in a deteriorating kidney function. The toxicity of uremic compounds has been well-documented in a plethora of pathophysiological mechanisms in kidney disease, such as cardiovascular injury (CVI), metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation. Accumulating data on the detrimental effect of uremic solutes in kidney disease supported the development of many strategies to restore eubiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) spread as an encouraging treatment for different dysbiosis-associated disorders. In this scenario, flourishing studies indicate that fecal transplantation could represent a novel treatment to reduce the uremic toxins accumulation. Here, we present the state-of-the-art concerning the application of FMT on kidney disease to restore eubiosis and reverse the retention of uremic toxins.
Collapse
|
4
|
The Role of Gut-Derived, Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins in the Cardiovascular Complications of Acute Kidney Injury. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050336. [PMID: 35622583 PMCID: PMC9143532 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent disease encountered in the hospital, with a higher incidence in intensive care units. Despite progress in renal replacement therapy, AKI is still associated with early and late complications, especially cardiovascular events and mortality. The role of gut-derived protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) in vascular and cardiac dysfunction has been extensively studied during chronic kidney disease (CKD), in particular, that of indoxyl sulfate (IS), para-cresyl sulfate (PCS), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), resulting in both experimental and clinical evidence. PBUTs, which accumulate when the excretory function of the kidneys is impaired, have a deleterious effect on and cause damage to cardiovascular tissues. However, the link between PBUTs and the cardiovascular complications of AKI and the pathophysiological mechanisms potentially involved are unclear. This review aims to summarize available data concerning the participation of PBUTs in the early and late cardiovascular complications of AKI.
Collapse
|
5
|
Falconi CA, Junho CVDC, Fogaça-Ruiz F, Vernier ICS, da Cunha RS, Stinghen AEM, Carneiro-Ramos MS. Uremic Toxins: An Alarming Danger Concerning the Cardiovascular System. Front Physiol 2021; 12:686249. [PMID: 34054588 PMCID: PMC8160254 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.686249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The kidneys and heart share functions with the common goal of maintaining homeostasis. When kidney injury occurs, many compounds, the so-called “uremic retention solutes” or “uremic toxins,” accumulate in the circulation targeting other tissues. The accumulation of uremic toxins such as p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate and inorganic phosphate leads to a loss of a substantial number of body functions. Although the concept of uremic toxins is dated to the 1960s, the molecular mechanisms capable of leading to renal and cardiovascular injuries are not yet known. Besides, the greatest toxic effects appear to be induced by compounds that are difficult to remove by dialysis. Considering the close relationship between renal and cardiovascular functions, an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the production, clearance and overall impact of uremic toxins is extremely relevant for the understanding of pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Thus, the present study has as main focus to present an extensive review on the impact of uremic toxins in the cardiovascular system, bringing the state of the art on the subject as well as clinical implications related to patient’s therapy affected by chronic kidney disease, which represents high mortality of patients with cardiac comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alexandre Falconi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Center of Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Carolina Victoria da Cruz Junho
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Center of Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Fogaça-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Center of Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Imara Caridad Stable Vernier
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Center of Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Regiane Stafim da Cunha
- Experimental Nephrology Laboratory, Basic Pathology Department, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Marcela Sorelli Carneiro-Ramos
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Center of Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Phosphate, Microbiota and CKD. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041273. [PMID: 33924419 PMCID: PMC8070653 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphate is a key uremic toxin associated with adverse outcomes. As chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses, the kidney capacity to excrete excess dietary phosphate decreases, triggering compensatory endocrine responses that drive CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Eventually, hyperphosphatemia develops, and low phosphate diet and phosphate binders are prescribed. Recent data have identified a potential role of the gut microbiota in mineral bone disorders. Thus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) only caused bone loss in mice whose microbiota was enriched in the Th17 cell-inducing taxa segmented filamentous bacteria. Furthermore, the microbiota was required for PTH to stimulate bone formation and increase bone mass, and this was dependent on bacterial production of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. We review current knowledge on the relationship between phosphate, microbiota and CKD-MBD. Topics include microbial bioactive compounds of special interest in CKD, the impact of dietary phosphate and phosphate binders on the gut microbiota, the modulation of CKD-MBD by the microbiota and the potential therapeutic use of microbiota to treat CKD-MBD through the clinical translation of concepts from other fields of science such as the optimization of phosphorus utilization and the use of phosphate-accumulating organisms.
Collapse
|
7
|
How do Uremic Toxins Affect the Endothelium? Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060412. [PMID: 32575762 PMCID: PMC7354502 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Uremic toxins can induce endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Indeed, the structure of the endothelial monolayer is damaged in CKD, and studies have shown that the uremic toxins contribute to the loss of cell–cell junctions, increasing permeability. Membrane proteins, such as transporters and receptors, can mediate the interaction between uremic toxins and endothelial cells. In these cells, uremic toxins induce oxidative stress and activation of signaling pathways, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The activation of these pathways leads to overexpression of proinflammatory (e.g., monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, E-selectin) and prothrombotic (e.g., tissue factor) proteins. Uremic toxins also induce the formation of endothelial microparticles (EMPs), which can lead to the activation and dysfunction of other cells, and modulate the expression of microRNAs that have an important role in the regulation of cellular processes. The resulting endothelial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and thrombotic events. Therefore, uremic toxins as well as the pathways they modulated may be potential targets for therapies in order to improve treatment for patients with CKD.
Collapse
|
8
|
Diaz-Ricart M, Torramade-Moix S, Pascual G, Palomo M, Moreno-Castaño AB, Martinez-Sanchez J, Vera M, Cases A, Escolar G. Endothelial Damage, Inflammation and Immunity in Chronic Kidney Disease. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060361. [PMID: 32492843 PMCID: PMC7354562 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have an accelerated atherosclerosis, increased risk of thrombotic-ischemic complications, and excessive mortality rates when compared with the general population. There is also evidence of an endothelial damage in which the proinflammatory state, the enhanced oxidative stress, or the accumulation of toxins due to their reduced renal clearance in uremia play a role. Further, there is evidence that uremic endothelial cells are both involved in and victims of the activation of the innate immunity. Uremic endothelial cells produce danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPS), which by binding to specific pattern recognition receptors expressed in multiple cells, including endothelial cells, induce the expression of adhesion molecules, the production of proinflammatory cytokines and an enhanced production of reactive oxygen species in endothelial cells, which constitute a link between immunity and inflammation. The connection between endothelial damage, inflammation and defective immunity in uremia will be reviewed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Diaz-Ricart
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, Center for Biomedical Diagnosis (CDB), Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (M.P.); (A.B.M.-C.); (J.M.-S.); (G.E.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Sergi Torramade-Moix
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, Center for Biomedical Diagnosis (CDB), Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (M.P.); (A.B.M.-C.); (J.M.-S.); (G.E.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Marta Palomo
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, Center for Biomedical Diagnosis (CDB), Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (M.P.); (A.B.M.-C.); (J.M.-S.); (G.E.)
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Hospital Clinic/University of Barcelona Campus, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Belen Moreno-Castaño
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, Center for Biomedical Diagnosis (CDB), Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (M.P.); (A.B.M.-C.); (J.M.-S.); (G.E.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Martinez-Sanchez
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, Center for Biomedical Diagnosis (CDB), Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (M.P.); (A.B.M.-C.); (J.M.-S.); (G.E.)
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Hospital Clinic/University of Barcelona Campus, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Vera
- Nephrology Department. Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (A.C.)
| | - Aleix Cases
- Nephrology Department. Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.V.); (A.C.)
| | - Gines Escolar
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, Center for Biomedical Diagnosis (CDB), Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (M.P.); (A.B.M.-C.); (J.M.-S.); (G.E.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Endothelium Team, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|