The application of molecular methods has provided a new picture of the colon microbial flora, or microbiome. The microbiome has been found to be a complex ecosystem with multiple influences on its human host. In renal medicine, interest has focused on the microbiome as a source of toxic waste chemicals and a stimulant to unwanted systemic inflammation. Early attempts to manipulate the microbiome have yielded limited benefit, but further research is strongly motivated.
Published by Elsevier Inc.