A study published in Cell Reports Medicine delves into the intricate relationship between bowel movement frequency (BMF), blood metabolites, and kidney function within a healthy cohort. It offers a comprehensive look into how variations in BMF are linked to changes in blood metabolite levels and their cascade effects on kidney function.
The study analyzed data from 572 generally healthy participants who had paired BMF, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and blood metabolomic data. Nine specific BMF-associated metabolites were observed: PCS, X-23997, PAG, X-11850, PCG, X-12216, 3-IS, X-11843, and X-21310. BMF was quantified on a numerical scale from 1 to 4, with 1 representing constipation, 2 as low-normal, 3 as high-normal, and 4 as diarrhea.
The regression model demonstrated a significant overall effect; notably, two metabolites (X-12216 and 3-IS), exhibited significant negative associations with eGFR. This indicates that higher baseline levels of these metabolites are correlated with reduced kidney function.
The study highlights that lower BMFs are associated with increased levels of toxins such as PCS, PAG, and 3-IS in the blood. These toxins, resulting from protein fermentation in the gut, have been linked to kidney dysfunction and other chronic diseases. As Johnson-Martinez explained in the press release, "Specifically, if stool sticks around too long in the gut, microbes use up all of the available dietary fiber, which they ferment into beneficial short-chain fatty acids. After that, the ecosystem switches to fermentation of proteins, which produces several toxins that can make their way into the bloodstream."
This shift from fiber to protein fermentation underlines the importance of maintaining regular BMF to prevent the accumulation of harmful metabolites. The demographic analysis within the study also showed that females, individuals with lower BMIs, and younger individuals tended to have lower average BMFs. The study also identified specific gut bacterial genera enriched in individuals with lower BMFs, many of which have been linked to diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dietary factors such as higher fruit and vegetable intake were associated with improved BMF outcomes, emphasizing the role of diet in maintaining gut health and preventing the buildup of harmful metabolites.
This study underscores the critical link between BMF, blood metabolites, and kidney function in a generally healthy population. It suggests that maintaining regular BMF through dietary and lifestyle changes could help mitigate the risk of kidney dysfunction and other chronic diseases.
Sources: Cell Reports Medicine, EurekaAlert