Beta-glucan challenge in dialysis patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploratory study of gut permeability in subjects on haemodialysis: response to oral beta-glucan load
IRAS ID
258383
Contact name
Oscar Swift
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Around 65,000 adults in the United Kingdom have kidney failure requiring treatment with either dialysis or transplantation. Patients with kidney failure have a reduced life expectancy with increased risk of hospital admissions and reduced quality of life. Increased levels of inflammation are commonly seen in patients treated with dialysis and are associated with worse outcomes. A potential source of increased inflammation in patients on dialysis is leakage of substances from the gut into the bloodstream.
The purpose of this study is to investigate a substance called beta-glucan as a potential marker of gut ‘leakiness’ in people with kidney failure treated with dialysis. Beta-glucan is commonly found in plant based foods but is also present in microorganisms that cause infection and inflammation such as bacteria and fungi. Previous studies have shown that beta-glucan is found at high levels in people who are undergoing dialysis treatment and this may be linked to increased gut leakage of harmful substances from the gut into the blood stream.
When plant based foods containing beta-glucan are eaten the beta-glucan component should remain within the gut and should not be absorbed into the bloodstream from the gut. This study will give 10 healthy individuals and 10 people with kidney disease undergoing dialysis treatment with high levels of inflammation on blood testing a drink containing a large amount of beta-glucan. Beta-glucan blood levels will then be measured following ingestion to establish if there is absorption of beta-glucan from the gut. This will help determine if there is increased gut ‘leakage’ in kidney disease.
Summary of Results
20 participants with kidney failure receiving dialysis treatment and 20 participants with normal kidney function were recruited in this study.
Serum beta-glucan levels were significantly higher in the group of patients with kidney failure compared to the normal kidney function group. Beta-glucan levels increased during and immediately following dialysis after eating a meal containing large amounts of beta-glucan in the kidney failure group. Beta-glucan levels were closely linked to markers of inflammation.
The source of beta-glucan in people with kidney failure could be a 'leaky' gut. Improving treatments to reduce gut leakage and health outcomes in people with kidney failure is required in the future.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
21/WS/0058
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion