Constipation treatment to improve gut and kidney health in people with chronic kidney disease
Clinical, Biochemical, and Microbiological Effects of Constipation Treatment in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Feasibility Trial
This pilot will see if treating constipation improves gut bacteria, blood markers, and overall health in people with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159760 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Participants with chronic kidney disease who have constipation would receive a prescribed constipation treatment and be followed over a defined period. The study team will collect stool and blood samples before and after treatment to measure changes in gut microbiota, fecal metabolites, inflammation, and markers of kidney function. Bowel habits, safety, and tolerability will also be tracked to determine whether the approach is practical for people with CKD. Findings will help decide if larger studies are warranted and whether constipation care could offer benefits beyond improving bowel movements.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic kidney disease who regularly have constipation, can provide stool and blood samples, and can attend study visits would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without chronic constipation, those with intestinal obstruction or severe gastrointestinal disease, or those unable to tolerate laxatives may not benefit and could be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, treating constipation could lower harmful gut-derived toxins and inflammation and potentially improve kidney-related health and overall outcomes for people with CKD.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown constipation treatment can change the gut microbiome and slow kidney damage, but human data are limited and this pilot is among the first to test these effects in people with CKD.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sumida, Keiichi — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sumida, Keiichi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.