Short-chain fatty acid profile in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Objective. To assess the profile of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in stool and the content of key SCFA-producing bacteria in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Material and methods. This cross-sectional, single-center study included 30 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis and 20 healthy participants in the control group. SCFA levels in stool samples were measured using gas-liquid chromatography. The composition of the gut microbiota was evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results. Patients on hemodialysis showed a significant reduction in the levels of SCFAs (acetic, propionic, and butyric acids) and their isoacids compared to the control group. Additionally, a marked decrease in SCFA-producing bacteria (Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Eubacterium rectale, Blautia spp., Prevotella spp., Akkermansia muciniphila) was more frequently observed in the ESRD group. The reduction in SCFA levels and the disruption of their profile in dialysis patients were correlated with C-reactive protein levels. Conclusion. Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis are characterized by a significant reduction in SCFA levels and a decrease in the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, which may be associated with the activation of systemic inflammatory responses.