Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Dietary intake of tyrosine and phenylalanine, and p-cresyl sulfate plasma levels in non-dialyzed patients with chronic kidney disease

ABSTRACT

Background:

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) present an imbalance of the gut microbiota composition, leading to increased production of uremic toxins like p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), product from bacterial fermentation of the amino acids tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe) from the diet. Thus, diet may be a determinant in the uremic toxins levels produced by the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between Tyr and Phe intake and PCS plasma levels in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Methods:

Twenty-seven non-dialysis CKD patients (stages 3 and 4) without previous nutritional intervention were evaluated. The dietary intake was evaluated using a 24-hour recall, 3-day food record and protein intake was also estimated by Protein Nitrogen Appearance (PNA). The plasma levels of PCS were measured using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography.

Results:

The evaluated patients (GRF, 34.8 ± 12.4 mL/min, 54.2 ± 14.3 years, BMI, 29.3 ± 6.1 kg/m2) presented mean protein intake of 1.1 ± 0.5 g/kg/day), Tyr of 4.5 ± 2.4 g/day and Phe of 4.6 ± 2.5 g/day. PCS plasma levels (20.4 ± 15.5 mg/L) were elevated and positively associated with both, Tyr (r = 0.58, p = 0.002) and Phe intake (r = 0.53, p = 0.005), even after adjustments for eGFR and age.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that the diet is an important modulator of the uremic toxins plasma levels produced by the gut microbiota, in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Keywords:
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Diet, Food, and Nutrition; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Cardiovascular Diseases

RESUMO

Introdução:

Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) apresentam desequilíbrio na composição da microbiota intestinal, gerando toxinas urêmicas, como o p-cresil sulfato (PCS), pela fermentação bacteriana dos aminoácidos tirosina (Tyr) e fenilalanina (Phe) da dieta. Assim, a dieta pode ser determinante nos níveis de toxinas urêmicas produzidos pela microbiota intestinal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a possível relação entre a ingestão de Tyr e Phe e os níveis plasmáticos de PCS em pacientes com DRC não dialisados.

Métodos:

Foram avaliados 27 pacientes com DRC em tratamento conservador (estágios 3 e 4), sem intervenção nutricional prévia. A ingestão alimentar foi avaliada pelo recordatório alimentar de 24h (R-24h) de 3 dias, e a ingestão proteica também foi verificada através do Protein Nitrogen Appearance (PNA). Os níveis plasmáticos de PCS foram determinados por cromatografia líquida de fase reversa.

Resultados:

Os pacientes avaliados (TFG, 34,8 ± 12,4 mL/min, 54,2 ± 14,3 anos, IMC 29,3 ± 6,1 kg/m2) apresentaram ingestão média de proteína de 1,1 ± 0,5 g/kg/dia, Tyr de 4,5 ± 2,4 g/dia e Phe de 4,6 ± 2,5 g/dia. Os níveis plasmáticos de PCS (20,4 ± 15,5 mg/L) foram elevados e positivamente associados à ingestão de Tyr (r = 0,58, p = 0,002) e Phe (r = 0,53, p = 0,005), mesmo após ajustes pela TFG e idade.

Conclusão:

Este estudo sugere que a dieta é um importante modulador dos níveis plasmáticos de toxinas urêmicas produzidas pela microbiota intestinal em pacientes com DRC não dialisados.

Palavras-chave:
Insuficiência Renal Crônica; Alimentos, Dieta e Nutrição; Microbioma Gastrointestinal; Doenças Cardiovasculares

INTRODUCTION

With chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressing, an increasing inability to maintain homeostasis and excrete metabolism products exposes these patients to a high risk of death from Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD).11 Liabeuf S, Drüeke TB, Massy ZA. Protein-bound uremic toxins: new insight from clinical studies. Toxins (Basel). 2011 Jul;3(7):911-9.

2 Mafra D, Barros AF, Fouque D. Dietary protein metabolism by gut microbiota and its consequences for chronic kidney disease patients. Future Microbiol. 2013 Oct;8(10):1317-23.
-33 Meijers BK, Van Kerckhoven S, Verbeke K, Dehaen W, Vanrenterghem Y, Hoylaerts MF, et al. The uremic retention solute p-cresyl sulfate and markers of endothelial damage. Am J Kidney Dis. 2009 Nov;54(5):891-901. Among the many factors involved in the progression of CKD and CVD pathology are the high levels of urinary toxins, resulting from changes in the profile and behavior of the intestinal microbiota and the in the kidneys’ inability to properly clear these metabolites.44 Barros AF, Borges NA, Ferreira DC, Carmo FL, Rosado AS, Fouque D, et al. Is there interaction between gut microbial profile and cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease patients? Future Microbiol. 2015;10(4):517-26.

5 Mafra D, Lobo JC, Barros AF, Koppe L, Vaziri ND, Fouque D. Role of altered intestinal microbiota in systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease. Future Microbiol. 2014;9(3):399-410.

6 Ramezani A, Massy ZA, Meijers B, Evenepoel P, Vanholder R, Raj DS, et al. Role of the gut microbiome in uremia: a potential therapeutic target. Am J Kidney Dis. 2016 Mar;67(3):483-98.

7 Snively CS, Gutierrez C. Chronic kidney disease: prevention and treatment of common complications. Am Farm Physician. 2004 Nov;70(10):1921-28.
-88 Vaziri ND. CKD impairs barrier function and alters microbial flora of the intestine: a major link to inflammation and uremic toxicity. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2012 Nov;21(6):587-92.

Nutrient availability is a key factor in modulating microbial heterogeneity and activity, which may compromise the intestinal microbiota balance and change the profile of bacterial metabolites.66 Ramezani A, Massy ZA, Meijers B, Evenepoel P, Vanholder R, Raj DS, et al. Role of the gut microbiome in uremia: a potential therapeutic target. Am J Kidney Dis. 2016 Mar;67(3):483-98. Furthermore, metabolites of the intestinal microbiota can alter the luminal pH, the intestinal wall integrity and interfere in the host’s homeostasis.55 Mafra D, Lobo JC, Barros AF, Koppe L, Vaziri ND, Fouque D. Role of altered intestinal microbiota in systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease. Future Microbiol. 2014;9(3):399-410.,99 Vaziri ND, Zhao YY, Pahl MV. Altered intestinal microbial flora and impaired epithelial barrier structure and function in CKD: the nature, mechanisms, consequences and potential treatment. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2016 May;31(5):737-46.-1010 Wong J, Piceno YM, DeSantis TZ, Pahl M, Andersen GL, Vaziri ND. Expansion of urease and uricase-containing, indole and p-cresol-forming and contraction of short chain fatty acid-producing intestinal bacteria in ESRD. Am J Nephrol. 2014;39(3):230-37. Among the bacterial phyla that inhabit or intestine, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the predominant ones; therefore, their balance is essential to maintain the proper interaction between the intestinal microbiota and the host.22 Mafra D, Barros AF, Fouque D. Dietary protein metabolism by gut microbiota and its consequences for chronic kidney disease patients. Future Microbiol. 2013 Oct;8(10):1317-23.,1111 Frank DN, St Amand AL, Feldman RA, Boedeker EC, Harpaz N, Pace NR. Molecular-phylogenetic characterization of microbial community imbalances in human inflammatory bowel diseases. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2007 Aug;104(34):13780-85.-1212 Sekirov I, Russell SL, Antunes LC, Finlay B. Gut microbiota in health and disease. Physiol Rev. 2010 Jul;90(3):859-904.

The bacteria that make up the intestinal microbiota have several functions, such as produce energy, degrade polysaccharides and extracellular amino acids using hydrolases, polysaccharidases and deaminases, generating products that act positively or negatively on the bodies of CKD patients.22 Mafra D, Barros AF, Fouque D. Dietary protein metabolism by gut microbiota and its consequences for chronic kidney disease patients. Future Microbiol. 2013 Oct;8(10):1317-23.,1010 Wong J, Piceno YM, DeSantis TZ, Pahl M, Andersen GL, Vaziri ND. Expansion of urease and uricase-containing, indole and p-cresol-forming and contraction of short chain fatty acid-producing intestinal bacteria in ESRD. Am J Nephrol. 2014;39(3):230-37.,1313 Rakoff-Nahoum S, Foster KR, Comstock LE. The evolution of cooperation within the gut microbiota. Nature. 2016 May;533(7602):255-9. Such bacteria use prebiotic dietary fibers as a substrate for making short-chain fatty acids (AGCC), which help maintain the colonocytes and the immune response1414 Vinolo MAR. Efeitos dos ácidos graxos de cadeia curta sobre os neutrófilos [dissertation]. São Paulo (SP): Universidade de São Paulo - USP; 2010.; on the other hand, the fermentation of diet-borne protein generates metabolites known as uremic toxins.1515 Velasquez MT, Centron P, Barrows I, Dwivedi R, Raj DS. Gut microbiota and cardiovascular uremic toxicities. Toxins (Basel). 2018 Jul;10(7):E287.-1616 Stockler-Pinto MB, Fouque D, Soulage CO, Croze M, Mafra D. Indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate in chronic kidney disease: could these toxins modulate antioxidant Nrf2-Keap1 pathway?. J Ren Nutr. 2014 Sep;24(5):286-91.

Upon reaching the large intestine, dietary proteins and peptides in the diet undergo depolymerization by proteases and peptidases from bacteria, generating small oligopeptides and amino acids that are available for assimilation by the colon microbiota. Predominantly distal part of the colon, the aromatic amino acids tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe) are converted by bacterial fermentation into compounds such as phenol and p-cresol, through a series of deamination, transamination and decarboxylation tests. In the liver, p-cresol is sulfated and transformed into p-Cresyl Sulfate (PCS).1717 Gryp T, Vanholder R, Vaneechoutte M, Glorieux G. P-cresyl sulfate. Toxins (Basel) 2017 Jan;9(2):52. This toxin has an important metabolic role, and studies show a positive relationship between PCS levels and cardiovascular events in patients with CKD.1010 Wong J, Piceno YM, DeSantis TZ, Pahl M, Andersen GL, Vaziri ND. Expansion of urease and uricase-containing, indole and p-cresol-forming and contraction of short chain fatty acid-producing intestinal bacteria in ESRD. Am J Nephrol. 2014;39(3):230-37.,1818 Barreto FC, Barreto DV, Liabeuf S, Meert N, Glorieux G, Temmar M, et al. Serum indoxyl sulfate is associated with vascular disease and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009 Oct;4(10):1551-58.-1919 Nallu A, Sharma S, Ramezani A, Muralidharan J, Raj D. Gut microbiome in CKD: challenges and opportunities. Transl Res. 2017 Jan;179:24-37. Due to the high PCS levels seen in CKD patients and their relationship with negative effects, we need to assess the dietary intake of Tyr and Phe in patients with CKD under conservative treatment and its Influence on the plasma levels of this uremic toxin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

STUDY POPULATION

We ran a cross-sectional study involving 27 patients with CKD in stages 3 and 4 who sought care at the Renal Nutrition Clinic of the Faculty of Nutrition of the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) and who were included in the study by our research group2020 Black AP, Anjos JS, Cardozo L, Carmo FL, Dolenga, CJ, Nakao LS, et al. Does low-protein diet influence the uremic toxin serum levels from the gut microbiota in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients?. J Ren Nutr. 2018 May;28(3):208-14..

We excluded patients with AIDS, cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, liver disease or smoking, as well as patients who used drugs, probiotics, symbols or antibiotics in the last 3 months. We included patients aged over 18 years, with CKD levels between 3 and 4 and without prior nutritional counseling. The Research Ethics Committee of the School of Medicine of Universidade Federal Fluminense approved the research protocol under number 26698914.7.0000.5243 and all patients signed the free and informed consent form.

FOOD INTAKEASSESSMENT

A nutritionist estimated the participants’ food intake using the 24-hour Food Record (R24h) of three different days, including a weekend day. To quantify the dietary intake of proteins, total fibers, Tyr and Phe, we gathered the data captured in the R24h in a Microsoft Office Excel (2007) spreadsheet, and we calculated the variables of interest based on the National Food Composition Table Agricultural Library version 3.9.5.12121 Department of Agriculture (USDA). National Agricultural Library [Internet]. USDA Food composition databases [Internet]. Washington, DC: USDA; 2018; [cited 2018 sep 23]. Available from: http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/...
and the Brazilian Food Composition Table.2222 Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Alimentação (NEPA). Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos - TACO. 4a ed. Campinas (SP): UNICAMP; 2011. In addition, the protein intake was also estimated through the Protein Nitrogen Appearance (PNA),2323 National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Clinical practice guidelines for nutrition in chronic renal failure: kidney disease outcome quality initiative. Am J Kidney Dis. 2000 Jun;35(6 Suppl 2):141-1. corrected by the current weight, according to the formulas described in Chart 1.2323 National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Clinical practice guidelines for nutrition in chronic renal failure: kidney disease outcome quality initiative. Am J Kidney Dis. 2000 Jun;35(6 Suppl 2):141-1. We added the Tyr and Phe intake, and the result was normalized by bodyweight to make it possible to compare with a recommendation from the Institute of Medicine, which does not bring the recommended intake values for each of these amino acids.2424 National Academies Press (NAP). Food and nutrition board. Dietary reference intakes (DRI): the essential guide to nutrient requirements [Internet]. Washington, DC: NAP; 2006; [cited 2018 sep 30]. Available from: https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fnic_uploads/DRIEssentialGuideNutReq.pdf
https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/f...

Chart 1
Equations for estimating PNA during the non-dialysis phase of CKD

NUTRITIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT AND BODY COMPOSITION

We assessed the patients’ nutritional status using the following anthropometric parameters: body weight (kg), measured on a calibrated FILIZOLA® scale, with a maximum capacity of 150 kg and precision of 0.1 kg. The individuals were instructed to position themselves in the center of the scale’s base, with their feet close together, bare, with light clothes and arms joined to the sides of the body; their height (m) was measured with the aid of a stadiometer attached to the aforementioned scale, with the individual standing tall, barefoot, with the arms close to the sides of the body and with the eyes fixed on the horizon. With this information at hand, we calculated their body mass index (BMI) by the ratio between current body weight (kg) and height (m) squared (kg/m2) and their nutritional status was established based on definitions proposed by the World Health Organization.2525 World Health Organization (WHO). Global database on body mass index: BMI classification [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2006; [cited 2018 sep 23]. Available from: http://www.assessmentpsychology.com/icbmi.htm
http://www.assessmentpsychology.com/icbm...

The total body fat percentage (% fat) and total lean body mass (% lean mass) were measured by a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry - DXA, Lunar Prodigy Advance Plus model, from General Electric Madison, Wisconsin, USA. The analyses were performed at the UFF Nutritional Assessment Laboratory (LANUFF) and the values obtained were compared with the parameters from Lohman et al.2626 Lohman TG, Roche AF, Martorell R. Anthropometric standardization reference manual. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Books; 1991.

DETERMINATION OF ROUTINE BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS

We measured routine biochemical parameters, such as blood glucose, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, albumin, sodium, potassium and phosphorus using Bioclin® kits (Bioclin BS-120 Chemistry Analyzer) from the UFF (LABNE) Experimental Nutrition Laboratory. The LDL-c values were obtained using the Friedewald et al.2727 Friedewald WT, Levy RI, Fredrickson DS. Estimation of the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma, without use of the preparative ultracentrifuge. Clin Chem. 1972 Jun;18(6):499-502. equation. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the CKD-Epi equation.2828 Levey AS, Stevens LA, Schmid CH, Zhang YL, Castro AF, Feldman HI, et al. A new equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate. Ann Intern Med. 2009 May;150(9):604-12. All biochemical parameters were classified according to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp references2929 Padilla O. Exames de sangue: valores normais [Internet]. Kenilworth, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp; 2018; [cited 2018 oct 1]. Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/pt-br/profissional/ap%C3%AAndices/valores-laboratoriais-normais/exames-de-urina-valores-normais
https://www.msdmanuals.com/pt-br/profiss...
and those from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology.3030 Faludi AA, Izar MCO, Saraiva JFK, Chacra APM, Bianco HT, Afiune NA, et al. Atualização da diretriz brasileira de dislipidemias e prevenção da aterosclerose. Arq Bras Cardiol [Internet]. 2017; [cited 2018 sep 23]; 109(2 Suppl 1):1-76. Available from: http://publicacoes.cardiol.br/2014/diretrizes/2017/02_diretriz_de_dislipidemias.pdf
http://publicacoes.cardiol.br/2014/diret...

PCS PLASMA LEVELS DETERMINATION

We determined total PCS plasma levels using the Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC, Shimadzu, Zellik, Belgium) connected to the fluorescence detector, as described by Borges et al.3131 Borges NA, Mafra D, Stockler-Pinto MB. Efeitos da suplementação com probióticos sobre o perfil da microbiota intestinal e inflamação de pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise [dissertation]. Niterói (RJ): Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF; 2016. We compared the mean plasma PCS values obtained with the references of the European Uremic Solutes Database (EuTox).3232 European Uremic Solutes Database. EUTox-db [Internet]. 2014; [cited 2018 sep 29]. Available from: http://eutoxdb.odeesoft.com/statistics.php
http://eutoxdb.odeesoft.com/statistics.p...

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to assess the distribution of variables. The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or median (interquartile range). We assessed the correlations between variables using the Spearman Rho correlation, or the Pearson’s coefficient, depending on the sample distribution. We ran a multivariate analysis to assess factors associated with uremic toxin levels. Statistical significance was accepted as p ≤ 0.05 and the analyses were performed using the SPSS Statistics for Windows software, version 23.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL).

RESULTS

The age of the patients studied ranged from 29 to 77 years, and 48% were males. According to the GFR, 63% of patients were in stage 3 of CKD, 29.6% in stage 3a and 33.4% in stage 3b, while 37% were classified in stage 4 of the disease. The main comorbidities were hypertension (96.3%), followed by dyslipidemia (37%) and diabetes mellitus (29.6%). Table 1 depicts the patients` anthropometric and demographic characteristics.

Table 1
Anthropometric and demographic characteristics of patients in stages 3 and 4 of CKD

According to the BMI, 44% of the patients were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), 26% were overweight, 26% were eutrophic and only one patient was thin. Insofar as body fat percentage is concerned, 89% of the patients (48% women and 41% men) had high values, according to the reference table.2626 Lohman TG, Roche AF, Martorell R. Anthropometric standardization reference manual. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Books; 1991.

Table 2 shows routine biochemical parameters and plasma concentrations of PCS uremic toxin. Average plasma concentrations of total PCS were high compared to normal mean values (individuals without CKD) presented in the EUTox database (1.87 mg/L ± 2.31 mg/L).3232 European Uremic Solutes Database. EUTox-db [Internet]. 2014; [cited 2018 sep 29]. Available from: http://eutoxdb.odeesoft.com/statistics.php
http://eutoxdb.odeesoft.com/statistics.p...

Table 2
Routine biochemical parameters and mean PCS and GFR levels of patients in CKD stages 3 and 4

Table 3 depicts protein intake values, as well as total fiber, Tyr and Phe, obtained by R24h, and PNA values. The protein intake found by both R24h and PNA was above the recommendations for patients undergoing conservative treatment3333 Kopple JD. National Kidney Foundation K/DOQI Clinical practice guidelines for nutrition in chronic renal failure. Am J Kidney Dis. 2000 Jan;35(1 Suppl 2):S66-S70. (it should be noted that these patients had not yet received a prescription for a hypoprotein diet). Total fiber intake was also below recommended values.3434 Slavin JL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health implications of dietary fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Oct;108(10):1716-31. The daily intake of Tyr + Phe was higher than the recommendations for healthy individuals according to Dietary References.2424 National Academies Press (NAP). Food and nutrition board. Dietary reference intakes (DRI): the essential guide to nutrient requirements [Internet]. Washington, DC: NAP; 2006; [cited 2018 sep 30]. Available from: https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fnic_uploads/DRIEssentialGuideNutReq.pdf
https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/f...

Table 3
Food intake of proteins, total fibers, Tyr and Phe of patients in stages 3 and 4 of CKD

There was a positive correlation between plasma PCS levels and Tyr intake (r = 0.58, p = 0.002) (Figure 1) and Phe (r = 0.53, p = 0.005) (Figure 2), which remained even after adjusting for GFR and age (Table 4). It is noteworthy that the plasma levels of these toxins increased with the renal failure progression.

Figure 1
Correlation between plasma PCS levels and Tyr intake (r = 0.58; p = 0.002).
Figure 2
Correlation between PCS plasma levels and Phe intake (r = 0.53; p = 0.005).

Table 4
Multivariate analysis of the association between possible predictors of plasma PCS levels

DISCUSSION

We found a positive correlation between Tyr and Phe intake and PCS plasma levels in non-dialyzed CKD patients. We also found daily intake higher than the dietary recommendations of these amino acids among healthy individuals, both by the R24h method and PNA.2424 National Academies Press (NAP). Food and nutrition board. Dietary reference intakes (DRI): the essential guide to nutrient requirements [Internet]. Washington, DC: NAP; 2006; [cited 2018 sep 30]. Available from: https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fnic_uploads/DRIEssentialGuideNutReq.pdf
https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/f...
These findings help explain the relationship between food intake and uremic toxins production by the intestinal microbiota, which therefore reinforces the importance of implementing nutritional strategies to delay the progression of CKD and cardiovascular adverse outcome, since uremic toxins are important predictors of such events.

On the other hand, Brito et al. (2016) found no association between the levels of indoxyl sulfate and the intake of its precursor, the amino acid tryptophan, in hemodialysis patients. However, the authors noted that the protein intake was below the recommended values for these patients, and the tryptophan intake was close to the recommendations in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI),3535 Brito JS, Borges NA, Dolenga CJ, Carraro-Eduardo JC, Nakao LS, Mafra D. Is there relationship between tryptophan dietary intake and plasma levels of indoxyl sulfate in chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis?. J Bras Nefrol. 2016 Dec;38(4):396-402. differently from the patients in the present study, who presented high protein intake (for patients with CKD under conservative treatment) and the investigated amino acids. Toden et al. (2005) reported an increase in the production of uremic toxins, including PCS, in rats fed a high-protein diet.3636 Toden S, Bird AR, Topping DL, Conlon MA. Resistant starch attenuates colonic DNA damage induced by higher dietary protein in rats. Nutr Cancer. 2005;51(1):45-51.

It is worth mentioning that several studies show that PCS participates in worsening renal function, increased inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with CKD. Liabeuf et al. (2010) found high serum PCS levels in 139 individuals in the last stages of CKD (especially from stage 4) and pointed out that the relationship between PCS and mortality was independent of other etiological causes.3737 Liabeuf S, Barreto DV, Barreto FC, Meert N, Glorieux G, Schepers E, et al. Free p-cresylsulphate is a predictor of mortality in patients at different stages of chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2010 Apr;25(4):1183-91. PCS has also been associated with CKD progression3838 Wu IW, Hsu KH, Lee CC, Sun CY, Hsu HJ, Tsai CJ, et al. P-cresyl sulphate and indoxyl sulphate predict progression of chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2011 Mar;26(3):938-47. and, in addition, it correlates with increased vascular stiffness,3939 Rossi M, Campbell KL, Johnson DW, Stanton T, Vesey DA, Coombes JS, et al. Protein-bound uremic toxins, inflammation and oxidative stress: a cross-sectional study in stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease. Arch Med Res. 2014 May;45(4):309-17. cardiovascular disease and mortality in individuals in stage 5 CKD.4040 Bammens B, Evenepoel P, Keuleers H, Verbeke K, Vanrenterghem Y. Free serum concentrations of the protein-bound retention solute p-cresol predict mortality in hemodialysis patients. Kidney Int. 2006 Mar;69(6):1081-87.

From stage 3 onwards, the substantial impairment of renal functions causes the plasma retention of several metabolites, establishing the so-called uremic syndrome or uremia.66 Ramezani A, Massy ZA, Meijers B, Evenepoel P, Vanholder R, Raj DS, et al. Role of the gut microbiome in uremia: a potential therapeutic target. Am J Kidney Dis. 2016 Mar;67(3):483-98. These compounds are classified as toxins because they present high serum concentrations, establishing deleterious interactions over a series of organic activities.11 Liabeuf S, Drüeke TB, Massy ZA. Protein-bound uremic toxins: new insight from clinical studies. Toxins (Basel). 2011 Jul;3(7):911-9. For the production of PCS, anaerobic bacteria must ferment the Tyr and Phe amino acids,22 Mafra D, Barros AF, Fouque D. Dietary protein metabolism by gut microbiota and its consequences for chronic kidney disease patients. Future Microbiol. 2013 Oct;8(10):1317-23. from protein dietary sources such as meat, chicken, cheese, eggs and milk.2121 Department of Agriculture (USDA). National Agricultural Library [Internet]. USDA Food composition databases [Internet]. Washington, DC: USDA; 2018; [cited 2018 sep 23]. Available from: http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/...
In the intestine, microorganisms convert them to 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and subsequently p-cresol,11 Liabeuf S, Drüeke TB, Massy ZA. Protein-bound uremic toxins: new insight from clinical studies. Toxins (Basel). 2011 Jul;3(7):911-9. which is sulfated in the submucosal layer, resulting in PCS.22 Mafra D, Barros AF, Fouque D. Dietary protein metabolism by gut microbiota and its consequences for chronic kidney disease patients. Future Microbiol. 2013 Oct;8(10):1317-23.,1515 Velasquez MT, Centron P, Barrows I, Dwivedi R, Raj DS. Gut microbiota and cardiovascular uremic toxicities. Toxins (Basel). 2018 Jul;10(7):E287.

16 Stockler-Pinto MB, Fouque D, Soulage CO, Croze M, Mafra D. Indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate in chronic kidney disease: could these toxins modulate antioxidant Nrf2-Keap1 pathway?. J Ren Nutr. 2014 Sep;24(5):286-91.
-1717 Gryp T, Vanholder R, Vaneechoutte M, Glorieux G. P-cresyl sulfate. Toxins (Basel) 2017 Jan;9(2):52. Its presence in blood circulation stimulates the inflammatory response by activating leukocytes, releasing cytokines, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress and damage to the endothelium, promoting atherosclerosis.44 Barros AF, Borges NA, Ferreira DC, Carmo FL, Rosado AS, Fouque D, et al. Is there interaction between gut microbial profile and cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease patients? Future Microbiol. 2015;10(4):517-26.,99 Vaziri ND, Zhao YY, Pahl MV. Altered intestinal microbial flora and impaired epithelial barrier structure and function in CKD: the nature, mechanisms, consequences and potential treatment. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2016 May;31(5):737-46.

In addition, the high plasma urea concentration detected among the participants of this study (as expected for patients in the stages of CKD they were in) is responsible for the increase in urea concentrations in the intestinal lumen, altering the biochemical environment and contributing to growth of bacteria species that are more adapted to this substrate; thus being one of the factors that contribute to dysbiosis and the increase in the synthesis of uremic toxins in CKD.1010 Wong J, Piceno YM, DeSantis TZ, Pahl M, Andersen GL, Vaziri ND. Expansion of urease and uricase-containing, indole and p-cresol-forming and contraction of short chain fatty acid-producing intestinal bacteria in ESRD. Am J Nephrol. 2014;39(3):230-37. Vaziri et al.,4141 Vaziri ND, Goshtasbi N, Yuan J, Jellbauer S , Moradi H, Raffatellu M, et al. Uremic plasma impairs barrier function and depletes the tight junction protein constituents of intestinal epithelium. Am J Nephrol. 2012;36(5):438-43. analyzed this interaction between uremia and intestinal changes in order to determine whether the products of urea degradation in the intestine impacted the mucosal integrity. In fact, there were changes in the intestinal barrier cells, and these findings help to clarify the factors that trigger disturbances that make it more permeable to the diffusion of toxins from the intestinal lumen to the blood current.99 Vaziri ND, Zhao YY, Pahl MV. Altered intestinal microbial flora and impaired epithelial barrier structure and function in CKD: the nature, mechanisms, consequences and potential treatment. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2016 May;31(5):737-46.,4141 Vaziri ND, Goshtasbi N, Yuan J, Jellbauer S , Moradi H, Raffatellu M, et al. Uremic plasma impairs barrier function and depletes the tight junction protein constituents of intestinal epithelium. Am J Nephrol. 2012;36(5):438-43.

An important characteristic of nutritional therapy during the non-dialysis phase is the adoption of a hypoprotein diet, which consequently reduces the supply of nitrogen compounds to the intestine.22 Mafra D, Barros AF, Fouque D. Dietary protein metabolism by gut microbiota and its consequences for chronic kidney disease patients. Future Microbiol. 2013 Oct;8(10):1317-23. Black et al.2020 Black AP, Anjos JS, Cardozo L, Carmo FL, Dolenga, CJ, Nakao LS, et al. Does low-protein diet influence the uremic toxin serum levels from the gut microbiota in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients?. J Ren Nutr. 2018 May;28(3):208-14. investigated the influence of the hypoprotein diet (0.6 g/kg/d) on the microbial profile and plasma levels of uremic toxins in patients with CKD undergoing conservative treatment, and found a significant reduction in PCS levels in the group of patients who complied with the hypoprotein diet, in addition to changes in the profile of their intestinal microbiota. In another study, Marzocco et al. (2013) showed that the prescription of a protein-restricted diet (0.3 g/kg/d, supplemented with keto analogs and essential amino acids), reduced the levels of indoxyl sulfate in patients with CKD under conservative treatment.4242 Marzocco S, Dal Piaz F, Di Micco L, Torraca S, Sirico ML, Tartaglia D, et al. Very low protein diet reduces indoxyl sulfate levels in chronic kidney disease. Blood Purif. 2013;35(1-3):196-201. However, such studies have not evaluated the intake of the precursor amino acids of uremic toxins.

Additionally, another approach that can help CKD patients is the supply of dietary fibers, an important substrate for the symbiotic colonic bacteria.4343 Marchesi JR, Adams DH, Fava F, Hermes GD, Hirschfield GM, Hold G, et al. The gut microbiota and host health: a new clinical frontier. Gut. 2016 Feb;65(2):330-9. Its relevance was pointed out by Dominianni et al.,4444 Dominianni C, Sinha R, Goedert JJ, Pei Z, Yang L, Hayes RB, et al. Sex, body mass index, and dietary fiber intake influence the human gut microbiome. PLoS ONE. 2015 Apr;10(4):e0124599. when carrying out the genetic sequencing of the microbiota of 82 individuals and notedthe that fiber intake modulated the bacterial profile. In the case of the participants in this study, fiber intake was below recommendations, impairing its availability as a substrate for intestinal bacteria. In addition to the influence of Western eating habits,4545 De Filippo C, Cavalieri D, Di Paola M, Ramazzotti M, Poullet JB, Massart S, et al. Impact of diet in shaping gut microbiota revealed by a comparative study in children from Europe and rural Africa: proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the United States of America. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2010;107(33):14691-6. fiber intake in these patients may be compromised due to the control of hyperkalemia, since potassium is present in high amounts in fruits and vegetables, which are also important sources of fiber.1919 Nallu A, Sharma S, Ramezani A, Muralidharan J, Raj D. Gut microbiome in CKD: challenges and opportunities. Transl Res. 2017 Jan;179:24-37.,4646 Riella MC. Princípios de nefrologia e distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos. 4a ed. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan; 2003. It is worth mentioning that, regardless of this restriction, the patients in the present study had not, until now, received nutritional guidance, which may justify the quantitative and qualitatively inadequate intake in the face of CKD.

Given the above, it is interesting to note that dietary intervention in CKD, targeting intestinal health, can play a relevant role in the homeostasis of these patients, as well as in the development of comorbidities. In this context, Moradi et al.4747 Moradi H, Sica DA, Kalantar-Zadeh K. Cardiovascular burden associated with uremic toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease. Am J Nephrol. 2013;38(2):136-48. emphasize the relevance of adjuvant treatments that focus on exogenous sources of uremic toxin precursors, in order to minimize their production by colonic bacteria, with the objective of reducing the exposure of these patients to cardiovascular diseases.

This study encountered some limitations during its execution. First, we obtained the data from a small population sample of CKD patients, lacking a more significant number to strengthen the present findings. Second, regarding R24h, the accuracy in obtaining the data depends on the interviewee’s memory. To overcome this limitation, we used the PNA technique to measure protein intake more accurately. Despite this, R24h is a subjective method validated and widely used in studies related to food intake.4848 Freedman LS, Commins JM, Moler JE, Arab L, Baer DJ, Kipnis V, et al. Pooled results from 5 validation studies of dietary self-report instruments using recovery biomarkers for energy and protein intake. Am J Epidemiol. 2014 Jul;180(2):172-88. Thirdly, because a cross-sectional study was performed, the plasma levels of PCS were measured only once, without exploring the intra-individual variables of the participants. Finally, observational analysis does not allow modulating food intake to more precisely identify the effects of dietary variables on the production of uremic toxins. In addition, there is a scarcity of studies on the intake of Tyr and Phe and their relationship with plasma PCS levels, requiring further studies to be conducted.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that the food intake of Tyr and Phe may represent an important factor capable of influencing the plasma levels of PCS, highlighting the role of one’s diet in the modulation of metabolites from the intestinal microbiota, and suggesting that, in addition to the quantitative control of protein intake in the conservative treatment of CKD, attention should also be given to the amino acid profile of the diet. Thus, the relevance of specific nutritional interventions for these patients is emphasized as an essential component of their treatment, in order to promote better quality of life and mitigate the outcomes of the disease.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was funded by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) and by the Research Support Foundation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ). Thanks to the UFF Experimental Nutrition Laboratory (LABNE).

REFERENCES

  • 1
    Liabeuf S, Drüeke TB, Massy ZA. Protein-bound uremic toxins: new insight from clinical studies. Toxins (Basel). 2011 Jul;3(7):911-9.
  • 2
    Mafra D, Barros AF, Fouque D. Dietary protein metabolism by gut microbiota and its consequences for chronic kidney disease patients. Future Microbiol. 2013 Oct;8(10):1317-23.
  • 3
    Meijers BK, Van Kerckhoven S, Verbeke K, Dehaen W, Vanrenterghem Y, Hoylaerts MF, et al. The uremic retention solute p-cresyl sulfate and markers of endothelial damage. Am J Kidney Dis. 2009 Nov;54(5):891-901.
  • 4
    Barros AF, Borges NA, Ferreira DC, Carmo FL, Rosado AS, Fouque D, et al. Is there interaction between gut microbial profile and cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease patients? Future Microbiol. 2015;10(4):517-26.
  • 5
    Mafra D, Lobo JC, Barros AF, Koppe L, Vaziri ND, Fouque D. Role of altered intestinal microbiota in systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease. Future Microbiol. 2014;9(3):399-410.
  • 6
    Ramezani A, Massy ZA, Meijers B, Evenepoel P, Vanholder R, Raj DS, et al. Role of the gut microbiome in uremia: a potential therapeutic target. Am J Kidney Dis. 2016 Mar;67(3):483-98.
  • 7
    Snively CS, Gutierrez C. Chronic kidney disease: prevention and treatment of common complications. Am Farm Physician. 2004 Nov;70(10):1921-28.
  • 8
    Vaziri ND. CKD impairs barrier function and alters microbial flora of the intestine: a major link to inflammation and uremic toxicity. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2012 Nov;21(6):587-92.
  • 9
    Vaziri ND, Zhao YY, Pahl MV. Altered intestinal microbial flora and impaired epithelial barrier structure and function in CKD: the nature, mechanisms, consequences and potential treatment. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2016 May;31(5):737-46.
  • 10
    Wong J, Piceno YM, DeSantis TZ, Pahl M, Andersen GL, Vaziri ND. Expansion of urease and uricase-containing, indole and p-cresol-forming and contraction of short chain fatty acid-producing intestinal bacteria in ESRD. Am J Nephrol. 2014;39(3):230-37.
  • 11
    Frank DN, St Amand AL, Feldman RA, Boedeker EC, Harpaz N, Pace NR. Molecular-phylogenetic characterization of microbial community imbalances in human inflammatory bowel diseases. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2007 Aug;104(34):13780-85.
  • 12
    Sekirov I, Russell SL, Antunes LC, Finlay B. Gut microbiota in health and disease. Physiol Rev. 2010 Jul;90(3):859-904.
  • 13
    Rakoff-Nahoum S, Foster KR, Comstock LE. The evolution of cooperation within the gut microbiota. Nature. 2016 May;533(7602):255-9.
  • 14
    Vinolo MAR. Efeitos dos ácidos graxos de cadeia curta sobre os neutrófilos [dissertation]. São Paulo (SP): Universidade de São Paulo - USP; 2010.
  • 15
    Velasquez MT, Centron P, Barrows I, Dwivedi R, Raj DS. Gut microbiota and cardiovascular uremic toxicities. Toxins (Basel). 2018 Jul;10(7):E287.
  • 16
    Stockler-Pinto MB, Fouque D, Soulage CO, Croze M, Mafra D. Indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate in chronic kidney disease: could these toxins modulate antioxidant Nrf2-Keap1 pathway?. J Ren Nutr. 2014 Sep;24(5):286-91.
  • 17
    Gryp T, Vanholder R, Vaneechoutte M, Glorieux G. P-cresyl sulfate. Toxins (Basel) 2017 Jan;9(2):52.
  • 18
    Barreto FC, Barreto DV, Liabeuf S, Meert N, Glorieux G, Temmar M, et al. Serum indoxyl sulfate is associated with vascular disease and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009 Oct;4(10):1551-58.
  • 19
    Nallu A, Sharma S, Ramezani A, Muralidharan J, Raj D. Gut microbiome in CKD: challenges and opportunities. Transl Res. 2017 Jan;179:24-37.
  • 20
    Black AP, Anjos JS, Cardozo L, Carmo FL, Dolenga, CJ, Nakao LS, et al. Does low-protein diet influence the uremic toxin serum levels from the gut microbiota in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients?. J Ren Nutr. 2018 May;28(3):208-14.
  • 21
    Department of Agriculture (USDA). National Agricultural Library [Internet]. USDA Food composition databases [Internet]. Washington, DC: USDA; 2018; [cited 2018 sep 23]. Available from: http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
    » http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
  • 22
    Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Alimentação (NEPA). Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos - TACO. 4a ed. Campinas (SP): UNICAMP; 2011.
  • 23
    National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Clinical practice guidelines for nutrition in chronic renal failure: kidney disease outcome quality initiative. Am J Kidney Dis. 2000 Jun;35(6 Suppl 2):141-1.
  • 24
    National Academies Press (NAP). Food and nutrition board. Dietary reference intakes (DRI): the essential guide to nutrient requirements [Internet]. Washington, DC: NAP; 2006; [cited 2018 sep 30]. Available from: https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fnic_uploads/DRIEssentialGuideNutReq.pdf
    » https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fnic_uploads/DRIEssentialGuideNutReq.pdf
  • 25
    World Health Organization (WHO). Global database on body mass index: BMI classification [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2006; [cited 2018 sep 23]. Available from: http://www.assessmentpsychology.com/icbmi.htm
    » http://www.assessmentpsychology.com/icbmi.htm
  • 26
    Lohman TG, Roche AF, Martorell R. Anthropometric standardization reference manual. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Books; 1991.
  • 27
    Friedewald WT, Levy RI, Fredrickson DS. Estimation of the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma, without use of the preparative ultracentrifuge. Clin Chem. 1972 Jun;18(6):499-502.
  • 28
    Levey AS, Stevens LA, Schmid CH, Zhang YL, Castro AF, Feldman HI, et al. A new equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate. Ann Intern Med. 2009 May;150(9):604-12.
  • 29
    Padilla O. Exames de sangue: valores normais [Internet]. Kenilworth, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp; 2018; [cited 2018 oct 1]. Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/pt-br/profissional/ap%C3%AAndices/valores-laboratoriais-normais/exames-de-urina-valores-normais
    » https://www.msdmanuals.com/pt-br/profissional/ap%C3%AAndices/valores-laboratoriais-normais/exames-de-urina-valores-normais
  • 30
    Faludi AA, Izar MCO, Saraiva JFK, Chacra APM, Bianco HT, Afiune NA, et al. Atualização da diretriz brasileira de dislipidemias e prevenção da aterosclerose. Arq Bras Cardiol [Internet]. 2017; [cited 2018 sep 23]; 109(2 Suppl 1):1-76. Available from: http://publicacoes.cardiol.br/2014/diretrizes/2017/02_diretriz_de_dislipidemias.pdf
    » http://publicacoes.cardiol.br/2014/diretrizes/2017/02_diretriz_de_dislipidemias.pdf
  • 31
    Borges NA, Mafra D, Stockler-Pinto MB. Efeitos da suplementação com probióticos sobre o perfil da microbiota intestinal e inflamação de pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise [dissertation]. Niterói (RJ): Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF; 2016.
  • 32
    European Uremic Solutes Database. EUTox-db [Internet]. 2014; [cited 2018 sep 29]. Available from: http://eutoxdb.odeesoft.com/statistics.php
    » http://eutoxdb.odeesoft.com/statistics.php
  • 33
    Kopple JD. National Kidney Foundation K/DOQI Clinical practice guidelines for nutrition in chronic renal failure. Am J Kidney Dis. 2000 Jan;35(1 Suppl 2):S66-S70.
  • 34
    Slavin JL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health implications of dietary fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Oct;108(10):1716-31.
  • 35
    Brito JS, Borges NA, Dolenga CJ, Carraro-Eduardo JC, Nakao LS, Mafra D. Is there relationship between tryptophan dietary intake and plasma levels of indoxyl sulfate in chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis?. J Bras Nefrol. 2016 Dec;38(4):396-402.
  • 36
    Toden S, Bird AR, Topping DL, Conlon MA. Resistant starch attenuates colonic DNA damage induced by higher dietary protein in rats. Nutr Cancer. 2005;51(1):45-51.
  • 37
    Liabeuf S, Barreto DV, Barreto FC, Meert N, Glorieux G, Schepers E, et al. Free p-cresylsulphate is a predictor of mortality in patients at different stages of chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2010 Apr;25(4):1183-91.
  • 38
    Wu IW, Hsu KH, Lee CC, Sun CY, Hsu HJ, Tsai CJ, et al. P-cresyl sulphate and indoxyl sulphate predict progression of chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2011 Mar;26(3):938-47.
  • 39
    Rossi M, Campbell KL, Johnson DW, Stanton T, Vesey DA, Coombes JS, et al. Protein-bound uremic toxins, inflammation and oxidative stress: a cross-sectional study in stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease. Arch Med Res. 2014 May;45(4):309-17.
  • 40
    Bammens B, Evenepoel P, Keuleers H, Verbeke K, Vanrenterghem Y. Free serum concentrations of the protein-bound retention solute p-cresol predict mortality in hemodialysis patients. Kidney Int. 2006 Mar;69(6):1081-87.
  • 41
    Vaziri ND, Goshtasbi N, Yuan J, Jellbauer S , Moradi H, Raffatellu M, et al. Uremic plasma impairs barrier function and depletes the tight junction protein constituents of intestinal epithelium. Am J Nephrol. 2012;36(5):438-43.
  • 42
    Marzocco S, Dal Piaz F, Di Micco L, Torraca S, Sirico ML, Tartaglia D, et al. Very low protein diet reduces indoxyl sulfate levels in chronic kidney disease. Blood Purif. 2013;35(1-3):196-201.
  • 43
    Marchesi JR, Adams DH, Fava F, Hermes GD, Hirschfield GM, Hold G, et al. The gut microbiota and host health: a new clinical frontier. Gut. 2016 Feb;65(2):330-9.
  • 44
    Dominianni C, Sinha R, Goedert JJ, Pei Z, Yang L, Hayes RB, et al. Sex, body mass index, and dietary fiber intake influence the human gut microbiome. PLoS ONE. 2015 Apr;10(4):e0124599.
  • 45
    De Filippo C, Cavalieri D, Di Paola M, Ramazzotti M, Poullet JB, Massart S, et al. Impact of diet in shaping gut microbiota revealed by a comparative study in children from Europe and rural Africa: proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the United States of America. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2010;107(33):14691-6.
  • 46
    Riella MC. Princípios de nefrologia e distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos. 4a ed. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan; 2003.
  • 47
    Moradi H, Sica DA, Kalantar-Zadeh K. Cardiovascular burden associated with uremic toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease. Am J Nephrol. 2013;38(2):136-48.
  • 48
    Freedman LS, Commins JM, Moler JE, Arab L, Baer DJ, Kipnis V, et al. Pooled results from 5 validation studies of dietary self-report instruments using recovery biomarkers for energy and protein intake. Am J Epidemiol. 2014 Jul;180(2):172-88.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    18 May 2020
  • Date of issue
    Jul-Sep 2020

History

  • Received
    24 Oct 2018
  • Accepted
    04 Mar 2020
Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia Rua Machado Bittencourt, 205 - 5ºandar - conj. 53 - Vila Clementino - CEP:04044-000 - São Paulo SP, Telefones: (11) 5579-1242/5579-6937, Fax (11) 5573-6000 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: bjnephrology@gmail.com