松露茶對慢性腎臟疾病患者腎功能的影響：前瞻性研究

許哲元¹、許兆畬¹、王姵樺²、蔡沛綺³、歐宴泉¹、童敏哲¹

1. 童綜合醫療社團法人童綜合醫院 外科部 泌尿科
2. 童綜合醫療社團法人童綜合醫院 護理部
3. 童綜合醫療社團法人童綜合醫院 醫學研究部

The Effects of Truffle-Infused Tea on Renal Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Forward-Looking Investigation

Jhe-Yuan Hsu¹, Chao-Yu Hsu¹, Pei-Hua Wang², Pei-Chi Tsai³, Yen-Chuan Ou¹, Min-Che Tung¹

1. Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taichung City, Taiwan
2. Department of Nursing, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
3. Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan

Purpose:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health concern characterized by the gradual deterioration of renal function over time, often leading to severe complications and the necessity of dialysis or kidney transplantation. Truffles are highly regarded for their abundant bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which have captured the interest of both culinary enthusiasts and scientists due to their potential health benefits. These fungi belong to the Tuber genus and are recognized for their potential anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to explore the effects of truffle-infused tea bags on CKD patients, with a focus on potential kidney function enhancement.

Materials and Methods:

This research involved patients diagnosed with CKD stages III and IV, all of whom received truffle-infused tea bags daily for a minimum of six months. Patients received education from trained educators and underwent follow-up assessments every three months in the outpatient department. Data on patients' medical history, including a history of urological and non-urological cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia, were collected. Standard blood tests were conducted, measuring parameters such as glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), uric acid (UA), urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACP), and urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR). Detailed voiding diaries were maintained to monitor fluid intake. Urinalysis and kidney ultrasounds were performed at least every three months or when clinical conditions changed to rule out urinary tract infections and hydronephrosis.

Results:

The study included a total of 61 participants, comprising 49 males and 12 females, from March 2023 to October 2023. The participants had an average age of 69.3 years, with a mean follow-up duration of 3 months. Among the participants, 12 patients (19.7%) were diagnosed with urological cancer, while 3 patients (4.9%) had non-urological cancer. Additionally, 24 participants (39.3%) had a history of hypertension, 13 patients (21.3%) had hyperlipidemia, and 12 patients (19.7%) had diabetes mellitus.

Statistical analysis, conducted using ANOVA, revealed significant changes in three parameters. Specifically, there was a notable decrease in the mean BUN from 23.02 to 18.93 (p=0.027), a reduction in the mean Cr from 1.3095 to 1.15 (p=0.029), and an increase in the mean eGFR from 58.075 to 65.59 (p=0.015). These changes suggest substantial improvements in renal function. However, the remaining variables did not show statistically significant differences.

Conclusion:

Truffle-infused tea appears to have a positive impact on the recovery of renal function in CKD patients. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this effect and to explore the potential therapeutic applications of truffle-based interventions in the management of renal diseases.