AUTHOR=Xu Chenhao , Zhao Junjie , Wu Kan , Liu Shengzhuo , Zhang Fan , Cao Qin , Wan Zhouwei , Tang Yongquan , Liu Zhihong , Zeng Hao , Wang Xianding , Liang Jiayu 

TITLE=Comprehensive dietary patterns explain acquired cystic kidney disease risk through genetic and metabolomic mechanisms

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1611656

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2025.1611656

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundAcquired renal cysts (ARC) are associated with kidney function decline, necessitating novel dietary pattern (DP) analyses in large cohorts.MethodsThis UK Biobank prospective cohort study (2006–2010) included participants with ≥2 dietary records, excluding those with severe kidney damage. The constructed comprehensive dietary pattern integration (CDPI) utilized reduced rank regression (RRR) and latent profile analysis (LPA). ARC cases (ICD-10: N28.1) were assessed via Cox regression for risk and dose–response, with NMR metabolites examined as mediators.ResultsAmong 119,709 participants (median follow-up: 10.57 years), 850 ARC cases were identified. Lipid-rich and hyperglycemic diets increased ARC risk [e.g., HRs for G1.DP1: 1.080 (1.024, 1.139); G1.DP2: 1.144 (1.048, 1.249)], while micronutrient-rich diets showed weak protective effects [G4.DP1: 0.943 (0.892, 0.998)]. LPA confirmed RRR findings, and 7/251 NMR metabolites had significant mediating effects.ConclusionDiets high in fat (cheese, butter, pizza) and sugar (chocolate, sugary drinks) elevated ARC risk, whereas micronutrient- and fiber-rich diets (vegetables, fruit, lean poultry, nuts, eggs) were protective. Key mediators included branched-chain amino acids, IGF-1, and RBC distribution width.