microbiome-therapeutics
Microbiome-therapeutics refers to the strategic manipulation or application of microbial communities—bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms—to promote health outcomes in a host organism. In plant science, this approach involves engineering or introducing beneficial soil and root-associated microbiomes to enhance plant growth, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and nutrient uptake. This field holds significant promise for developing sustainable agricultural practices that reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides by harnessing the natural protective and growth-promoting capacities of plant-associated microbes.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-05-07
Kidney disease disrupts the community of gut bacteria, depleting protective compounds and allowing toxic ones to build up — a cycle that worsens kidney function and raises cardiovascular risk. Eating more dietary fiber and plant-based protein is among the most promising strategies to rebalance gut bacteria and slow disease progression.
Chronic kidney disease causes measurable, stage-by-stage declines in beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) alongside increases in harmful species, reducing overall gut diversity
Toxic compounds produced by disrupted gut bacteria — including TMAO, indoxyl sulfate, and p-cresyl sulfate — accumulate in kidney disease patients and drive inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiovascular damage through multiple molecular pathways
Dietary interventions focused on increasing fiber and plant-based protein rank among the top strategies for rebalancing gut microbiota, though large-scale clinical trials are still needed to confirm efficacy and establish personalized protocols