Taiwan Ranks First in the World for Dialysis Population! Chronic Kidney Disease Emerges as a Silent Killer – Experts Stress the Need for Accurate Diagnostics
Taiwan holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest dialysis population in the world. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, more than 5,800 people in Taiwan lost their lives to nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and kidney disease in 2023, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the country. The insidious nature of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which often lacks noticeable symptoms in its early stages, has made it a silent but deadly threat to public health.
Professor Te-Chao Fang of the Department of Nephrology at Taipei Medical University emphasized that, when choosing probiotic health supplements, it is crucial to verify whether the strains have been published in international medical journals and supported by rigorous clinical trials demonstrating their ability to regulate protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs). He highlighted that combining these probiotic strategies with accurate diagnostic tools can significantly enhance daily care for CKD patients.
Professor Te-Chao Fang of Taipei Medical University’s Department of Nephrology explains how accurate PBUT detection acts like a "compass," guiding CKD patients toward more effective care strategies.
The Role of PBUTs in CKD Progression
PBUTs, primarily generated in the gut through amino acid metabolism, pose a significant challenge for CKD patients. Dr. Ping-Hsun Wu, a nephrologist at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, recently highlighted at a Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan that PBUTs are notoriously difficult to remove via hemodialysis due to their strong binding affinity to plasma proteins.
“When a CKD patient’s gut health deteriorates and kidney function declines, these toxins can accumulate in the body, infiltrating organs and tissues,” Dr. Wu explained. “This can lead to cellular toxicity, systemic inflammation, and a range of complications, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and worsening anemia.” Clinical studies have further shown that higher PBUT concentrations in the body significantly increase the risk of mortality, underscoring the need for effective management strategies.
Accurate Detection: A Compass for CKD Care
Experts agree that reducing gut-derived uremic toxins is essential for CKD management. During his presentation, Professor Te-Chao Fang highlighted indoxyl sulfate as one of the most concerning PBUTs.
“In the past, the lack of appropriate diagnostic tools made monitoring difficult,” Professor Fang said. “Now, with faster, more convenient, and equally precise methods, we have tools akin to a compass, guiding both physicians and patients toward more effective care strategies. These tools can even be used in general health checkups to assess kidney health.”
The Importance of Evidence-Based Probiotics
Professor Fang also discussed how certain interventions, such as plant-based diets and low-protein meal plans, can reduce PBUT production. However, these lifestyle changes can be difficult to maintain, and activated carbon adsorbents have limited effectiveness. As a result, modulating gut microbiota through evidence-based probiotics has become a key strategy in CKD care.
When selecting probiotic supplements, Professor Fang advised patients to look for strains published in international medical journals and backed by rigorous human trials, such as the patented Renobiome. He emphasized that combining probiotics with precise diagnostic methods can optimize daily care for CKD patients.
Additionally, Professor Fang encouraged patients to consult with specialists before using dietary supplements and to avoid products with exaggerated claims or misleading advertisements to prevent disruptions to their current treatment plans.
Leadgene Biomedical Chairman Dr. Yung-Chun Chuang (left) and CEO Dr. Yu-Wei Cheng (right) showcase their diagnostic kit at the 113th Annual Meeting of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology.
Leadgene Biomedical: Pioneering Accurate Diagnostics for CKD
To address the challenges of CKD management, Leadgene Biomedical offers advanced diagnostic solutions for early detection and ongoing monitoring. Its Indoxyl Sulfate (IS) ELISA Kit enables physicians to quickly measure indoxyl sulfate levels, providing critical insights for tailoring treatment and care strategies. This innovative kit was recently awarded the prestigious 2024 Symbol of National Quality (SNQ) Certification, a mark of excellence in Taiwan’s biomedical industry.
The Symbol of National Quality (SNQ) represents the highest standards of quality, safety, and innovation. Leadgene Biomedical’s achievement of this prestigious recognition highlights its leadership and excellence in diagnostic development.
“Indoxyl sulfate is a small molecular compound that binds strongly to blood proteins, making it resistant to removal by dialysis and difficult to detect,” said Dr. Yung-Chun Chuang, Chairman of Leadgene Biomedical. “Developing a diagnostic reagent for this compound required overcoming significant technical hurdles and a high level of expertise.”
Leadgene Biomedical’s ELISA kit uses a highly specific monoclonal antibody to measure indoxyl sulfate levels accurately. The kit delivers rapid and reliable results without requiring specialized high-end instruments, enabling physicians to quickly assess patient conditions and manage treatment plans.
The kit has successfully obtained Taiwan’s FDA Class III IVD registration (License No. 007625) and multiple patents in Taiwan, the U.S., the EU, Japan, and China. It is also CE-IVD certified and approved for market release in countries such as Vietnam. Currently, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital has incorporated the kit as part of its self-pay diagnostic services, and Leadgene Biomedical is optimistic about expanding collaborations with more medical institutions in the future.
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