How uremic toxins harm bone cells in chronic kidney disease
Uremic toxins and osteocyte dysfunction in CKD
Looks at whether lowering a gut-derived toxin called indoxyl sulfate can protect bone health in adults with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11234323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will learn how a toxin that builds up when kidneys fail can damage the bone cells that keep bone strong. Researchers use lab-grown bone cells and a rat model that mirrors human CKD bone changes to watch how indoxyl sulfate affects bone cell function and bone structure. They are testing whether changing the gut microbiome with a fiber called inulin lowers the toxin in the blood and improves bone volume, fewer bone-eating cells, and less cortical porosity. The team will link these lab and animal findings to human blood and bone measures to see if the same pathways matter in people with CKD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic kidney disease, particularly those with reduced kidney function or concern for CKD-related bone disease (renal osteodystrophy).
Not a fit: People without CKD or whose bone problems are caused by unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to dietary or microbiome-based ways to lower bone fracture risk in people with CKD.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and early lab work have shown that lowering indoxyl sulfate or changing the gut microbiome can improve bone measures in animals, but clinical benefit in people remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moe, Sharon M — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Moe, Sharon M
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.