A new study from Japan suggests that a drug commonly used to treat constipation could offer a promising way to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. This discovery presents a potential breakthrough for a condition that currently has no cure to restore lost kidney function.
Led by Professor Takaaki Abe from Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Medicine, the research focused on lubiprostone, a medication approved for constipation. The study found that lubiprostone may help protect kidney function in people suffering from chronic kidney disease, marking the first time this effect has been observed in patients.
Chronic kidney disease affects millions worldwide and typically worsens over time, often leading to the need for dialysis. While existing treatments primarily focus on managing symptoms and removing toxins from the blood, they do not stop the gradual decline in kidney function.
The research team’s investigation began after noticing that constipation is common in people with kidney disease. They found that constipation can negatively affect gut bacteria, which may, in turn, harm kidney health. This link led them to test whether improving gut health could help protect the kidneys.
To explore this, the team conducted a Phase II clinical trial, the LUBI-CKD trial, across nine medical centers in Japan. The trial involved 150 participants with moderate chronic kidney disease, who were either given lubiprostone or a placebo. Over time, researchers closely monitored their kidney function.
The results showed that participants who took lubiprostone at doses of 8 or 16 micrograms experienced a slower decline in kidney function compared to those given a placebo. Kidney health was assessed using a standard test called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures how well the kidneys are working.
The team also studied how the drug works. They discovered that lubiprostone increased the levels of spermidine, a substance that supports healthy mitochondrial function. This increase was linked to the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, suggesting that the drug helps protect the kidneys by improving gut health and cellular energy.
The researchers believe that this new approach, focusing on gut health and mitochondrial function, could change the way chronic kidney disease is treated. They plan to conduct a larger Phase III trial to further confirm these findings. Additionally, they aim to identify biological markers that could predict which patients would benefit the most from this treatment.
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