05 Feb Gut Bacteria Link Between Heart and Kidney Disease Strengthened
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
W. H .Wilson Tang, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.H.A.
Professor in Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195.
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Tang: Our group has previously demonstrated that TMAO is linked to future cardiac risks in both humans and in animal models. We now show that long-term exposure to higher levels of TMAO promotes renal functional impairment and fibrosis in animal studies. We also show that in humans, as the kidneys lose function, TMAO isn’t eliminated as easily, and their blood levels further rise, thereby increasing cardiovascular and kidney disease risks further. This newly discovered TMAO link offers further insight into the relationship between cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Tang: Our studies raise the exciting prospects of nutritional interventions to help retard development and progression of chronic kidney disease and associated cardiovascular disease by modulating gut bacteria metabolism of dietary nutrients.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Tang: This research strongly implies the need to focus preventive efforts on dietary interventions and therapeutic targeting of gut microbiota-dependent TMAO pathways particularly in those with impaired kidney function, potentially to halt development and progression of chronic kidney disease, as well as cardiovascular disease risks.
Citation:
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MedicalResearch.com Interview with:, & W. H .Wilson Tang, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.H.A. (2015). Gut Bacteria Link Between Heart and Kidney Disease Strengthened MedicalResearch.com
Last Updated on February 5, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD