The role of the intestinal microbiota in uremic solute accumulation: a focus on sulfur compounds

J Nephrol. 2019 Oct;32(5):733-740. doi: 10.1007/s40620-019-00589-z. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

Abstract

The gut microbiota is considered to be a novel important factor to take into account in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and uremia. Much attention has been paid to specific uremic retention solutes of microbial origin, such as indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, and trimethylamine-N-oxide. However, other novel less well studied compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide and related sulfur metabolites (sulfane sulfur, lanthionine, etc.), should be included in a more comprehensive appraisal of this topic, in light of the potential therapeutic opportunities for the future.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; Dialysis; Homocysteine; Hydrogen sulfide; Lanthionine; Microbiota; Sulfane sulfur; Uremia; Uremic toxins.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Folic Acid / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Sulfur Compounds / metabolism*
  • Uremia / metabolism*
  • Uremia / microbiology*

Substances

  • Sulfur Compounds
  • Folic Acid