HMOs for Gut Microbiome and Inflammation in Renal Disease
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constipation in patients with renal disease, particularly those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), exacerbates gut-derived toxins and inflammation, increasing cardiovascular disease risk and complicating dialysis, especially peritoneal dialysis, due to altered gut microbiome and mechanical effects.
Innovation Solution
Administering effective amounts of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), such as 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), to improve bowel movement consistency, reduce inflammation, and enhance gut microbiome health, thereby addressing constipation and related complications in renal disease patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional treatments for constipation are used in renal disease patients, then bowel movement frequency may improve, but gut microbiome alteration and inflammation persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces prebiotic compounds (oligosaccharides, inulin, FOS, GOS) as intermediary substances that selectively stimulate growth of beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus). These prebiotics act as mediators between the administered substance and the gut microbiome, promoting production of short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation and gut-derived toxins without directly stimulating bowel movements, thereby addressing both constipation and inflammatory markers simultaneously
2Stability of the object's composition
If phosphate binders and other medications are administered to renal disease patients, then mineral balance improves, but constipation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful side effect of phosphate binder-induced constipation into a beneficial outcome by administering prebiotics that selectively promote beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that improve mineral absorption and reduce inflammation, thereby converting the medication-induced harm (constipation) into a benefit (improved gut health and mineral balance)
3Object-generated harmful factors
If dialysis treatment is intensified to remove toxins, then blood toxin levels decrease, but gut microbiome damage and intestinal barrier dysfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering prebiotics before significant gut microbiome damage occurs or alongside dialysis treatment. The prebiotics proactively cultivate beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which strengthen the intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation in advance, preventing the progressive damage that would otherwise occur with intensive dialysis treatment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The administration of HMOs, particularly 2′-FL, improves bowel regularity, reduces serum inflammatory markers, enhances nutrition, and decreases the risk of peritonitis by promoting a healthier gut microbiome and intestinal barrier function, benefiting patients with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis.
Implementation Method 1
HMOs have long been known to be fermented by bacteria in the colon to produce short chain fatty acids
Implementation Method 2
HMOs have been shown to selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to compositions and methods for improving the consistency and regularity of a subject's bowel movements. Additionally, the compositions and methods are useful for also improving deficiencies in nutrition, deficiencies in hemoglobin, and reducing inflammation.