Metagenomic profiling of gut microbiome: associating their role with the advancement of diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome should play a critical role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes and its complication such as diabetic nephropathy (DN). Nevertheless, a considerable gap remains in our understanding of the interconnection between DN pathogenesis and gut microbiota arrangement. In this context, this review highlights recent research on the connection between the intestinal microbiota and DN risk, with a particular focus on the role of microbial metabolites in disease development. It also highlights recent advancements in metagenomic analyses of gut microbial communities and their potential contribution to the progression of DN. Further, it describes the challenges associated with the metagenomics-based analysis of intestinal microbiota and the advancement of therapeutics for DN. An exploration of the surveyed literature reveals the lack of any definitive correlation between gut microbiota and DN transition, even when assessed in view of widespread geographical and ethnic diversity. Future research in this domain should be conducted to address various issues like increasing the number of participants, intake patient diversity, logistical difficulties, and racial disparities. A critical assessment of these parameters will help improve our understanding of the potential contribution of gut microbiota to the DN progression.