Gut microbiota in IgA nephropathy; a letter to the editor on recent data

Gut dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction are thought to contribute to the progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) by enhancing the production of galactose-deficient IgA1, which leads to the formation of nephrotoxic immune complexes. Furthermore, metabolites generated by an altered gut microbiome—such as indoxyl sulfate and trimethylamine N-oxide—can impair the intestinal barrier and activate mucosal immunity, playing a causal role in the disease’s pathogenesis.