Exploring how gut microbes affect kidney disease

The Influence of Chronic Kidney Disease on Intestinal Transport of Gut Microbial Metabolites

Observational Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT01752738

This study is trying to see how gut bacteria affect kidney disease by looking at certain substances in the intestines of people with kidney problems compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven, Vlaams Brabant)
Trial IDNCT01752738 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the role of the colonic microbiome in chronic kidney disease by examining the intestinal transport of specific microbial metabolites, such as indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate. Researchers will collect colonic biopsies from patients with chronic kidney disease and compare the findings to healthy controls to understand the mechanisms of metabolite uptake and metabolism. The goal is to uncover insights that could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating chronic kidney disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 85 with chronic kidney disease up to stage III who are scheduled for a colonoscopy.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, colon surgery, or those who have received organ transplants may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could identify new treatment strategies for chronic kidney disease by targeting microbial metabolites.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of intestinal transport for these metabolites are not well-studied, related research on the gut microbiome's impact on kidney disease is emerging, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 85 years
* Chronic kidney disease ≤ stage III (KDOQI), i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate (MDRD) \< 60 ml/min/m² or need of dialysis therapy 27
* Scheduled colonoscopy for diagnostic purposes
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of gastro-intestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease)
* History of colon surgery
* Recipient of a renal or other solid organ transplant
* Exposure to antibiotics or drug therapy with a known influence on intestinal transporters (e.g., P-gp) or enzymes during 2 weeks before colonoscopy

Where this trial is running

Leuven, Vlaams Brabant

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Kidney Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.