Common constipation drug can help halt kidney decline: Study
Tokyo, December 4
A surprising link between constipation and kidney decline led researchers to test lubiprostone, revealing that it can protect kidney function.
The results point toward gut-based, mitochondria-boosting therapies as a promising new avenue for CKD care.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects people across the globe and often progresses to the point where patients rely on routine dialysis to survive. Although the condition is widespread and serious, there are still no approved medications that can actively restore kidney function.
A team led by Professor Takaaki Abe at the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine has uncovered an unexpected approach by repurposing a constipation medication. Their work marks the first time that this drug (lubiprostone) has been shown to slow the loss of kidney function in people with CKD.
"We noticed that constipation is a symptom that often accompanies CKD, and decided to investigate this link further," explains Abe.
"Essentially, constipation disrupts the intestinal microbiota, which worsens kidney function. Working backwards, we hypothesised that we could improve kidney function by treating constipation," added Abe.
Clinical Trial Shows Lubiprostone Helps Preserve Kidney Function
To test this idea, the research team organised a multicenter Phase II clinical study (LUBI-CKD TRIAL) across nine medical facilities in Japan.
The trial enrolled 150 individuals with moderate CKD and examined how lubiprostone affected kidney health.
When compared with participants who received a placebo, those given 8 ug or 16 ug of lubiprostone experienced a slower decline in kidney function.
This finding was based on changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a standard measure used to evaluate kidney performance.
The scientists also explored why the drug had this protective effect. They determined that lubiprostone boosts the production of spermidine, a compound that enhances mitochondrial activity by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Improved mitochondrial function was linked to a renoprotective effect that helped limit additional kidney damage.
Next Steps and Potential for Personalised CKD Treatment
The team plans to expand their investigation through a Phase 3 clinical trial involving a larger group of participants.
They also aim to identify biomarkers that could help predict which patients are most likely to benefit.
Their long-term objective is to tailor treatment strategies to each person with CKD. This approach represents a significant shift from current CKD therapies, which focus mainly on lowering uremic toxins.
Overall, the findings indicate that certain laxatives may help slow the progression of kidney deterioration.
This concept could also open doors to new treatments for conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction. Details of the study were published in the scientific journal Science Advances.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Gut health affecting kidneys... Ayurveda has always talked about the connection between digestion and overall health. Modern science is finally catching up to what our traditional medicine has known for centuries.
Important research, but a word of caution. This is a Phase II study. We shouldn't rush out and start taking laxatives for kidney health. Let's wait for more robust data and consult doctors. Self-medication can be dangerous.
The cost of dialysis is crushing for middle-class families. If a relatively common drug can delay or reduce the need for it, it would be a huge financial relief for millions in India. Fingers crossed for affordable access.
Spermidine boosting mitochondria... the science is complex but the potential is massive. Goes to show how interconnected our body systems are. Hope Indian medical researchers are paying attention to this gut-kidney axis.
My mother suffers from both issues. It's encouraging to see research that looks at the patient as a whole, not just isolated organs. Personalized treatment based on biomarkers is the future of medicine.
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