Brazil Nut-Enriched Diet Modulates Enteric Glial Cells and Gut Microbiota in an Experimental Model of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) promotes gut dysbiosis, and enteric glial reactivity, a feature of intestinal inflammation. Brazil nut modulated enteric glial profile in healthy animals and could modulate these cells in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Methods: A 5/6 nephrectomy-induced CKD and Sham-operated rats were divided as follows: CKD and Sham received a standard diet and CKD-BN and Sham-BN received a 5% Brazil nut enriched-diet. The protein content of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), enteric glial marker, and GPx protein content and activity were assessed in the colon. The major phyla of gut microbiota were assessed. Results: CKD-BN group presented a decrease in GFAP content ( p  = 0.0001). The CKD-BN group modulated the abundance of Firmicutes , increasing its proportion compared to the CKD group. The CKD-BN group showed increased GPx activity in the colon ( p  = 0.0192), despite no significant difference in protein content. Conclusion: Brazil nut-enriched diet consumption decreased enteric glial reactivity and modulated gut microbiota in the CKD experimental model.