Association of Sarcopenia and Gut Microbiota Composition in Older Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease, Investigation of the Interactions with Uremic Toxins, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We determined gut microbiota (gMB) composition in CKD patients with or without sarcopenia. Furthermore, we investigated whether in these patients, there was any association between gMB, uremic toxins, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Calcium carbonate-enriched cheese to improve nutrition, compliance and phosphorus control in patients on kidney replacement therapy.

Background: Patients on renal replacement therapy face many dietary limitations, and cheese is often limited because of its high phosphate content; we have developed cheese with added calcium carbonate (CaCO) to provide patients with a nutritional opportunity while improving their phosphate control.

Methods: The present double-blind crossover study was aimed to compare the new modified cheese with an equivalent standard product in 16 patients. The increase in inter-dialysis phosphorus (ΔP) and pre-dialysis calcium were used as the primary endpoints for efficacy and safety.

Association between the uremic toxins indoxyl-sulfate and p-cresyl-sulfate with sarcopenia and malnutrition in elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

Background: in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCs) may induce sarcopenia either directly or via systemic inflammation. We evaluated whether IS and PCs were associated with: sarcopenia, systemic inflammation and nutritional status.

Methods: we examined cross sectionally 93 patients with advanced CKD.

Gut microbiota composition and frailty in elderly patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background: Frailty is common in older patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since gut microbiota (gMB) may contribute to frailty, we explored possible associations between gMB and frailty in CKD.

Methods: We studied 64 CKD patients (stage 3b-4), categorized as frail (F, 38) and not frail (NF, 26) according to Fried criteria, and 15 controls (C), all older than 65 years.

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency: identification of a novel nonsense mutation.

Background: Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency (APRTD) is an under estimated genetic form of kidney stones and/or kidney failure, characterized by intratubular precipitation of 2,8-dihydroxyadenine crystals (2,8-DHA). Currently, five pathologic allelic variants have been identified as responsible of the complete inactivation of APRT protein.

Case Presentation: In this study, we report a novel nonsense mutation of the APRT gene from a 47- year old Italian patient.