indoxyl-glucuronide and Cardiovascular-Diseases

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in the expression of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate and indole acetic acid are derived from tryptophan fermentation by gut microbiota; they accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on haemodialysis and have recently emerged as potent ligands of AhR. Therefore, AhR can serve as a mediator in inflammation and cardiovascular diseases in these patients. This review discusses current data that support a link between AhR activation and uremic toxins from gut microbiota in CKD.

Topics: Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Glucuronates; Humans; Indican; Indoleacetic Acids; Indoles; Models, Biological; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Toxins, Biological; Tryptophan; Uremia