Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Composition in Mice with CKD

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a renal disorder characterized by the accumulation of uremic toxins with limited strategies to reduce their concentrations. A large amount of data supports the pivotal role of intestinal microbiota in CKD complications and as a major source of uremic toxins production. Here, we explored whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could be attenuated in metabolic complication and uremic toxin accumulation in mice with CKD. Methods: Kidney failure was chemically induced by a diet containing 0.25% (w/w) of adenine for four weeks. Mice were randomized into three groups: control, CKD and CKD + FMT groups. After four weeks, CKD mice underwent fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy mice or phosphate buffered saline as control. The gut microbiota structure, uremic toxins plasmatic concentrations, and metabolic profiles were explored three weeks after transplantation. Results: Associated with the increase of alpha diversity, we observed a noticeable improvement of gut microbiota disturbance, after FMT treatment. FMT further decreased p-cresyl sulfate accumulation and improved glucose tolerance. There was no change in kidney function. Conclusions: These data indicate that FMT limited the accumulation of uremic toxins issued from intestinal cresol pathway by a beneficial effect on gut microbiota diversity. Further studies are needed to investigate the FMT efficiency, the timing and feces amount for the transplantation before, to become a therapeutic option in CKD patients.

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Alteration of Gut Microbiota in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Carriers during Fecal Microbiota Transplantation According to Decolonization Periods

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9020352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 352

Author(s):

Jin-Jae Lee ◽

Dongeun Yong ◽

Ki Tae Suk ◽

Dong Joon Kim ◽

Heung-Jeong Woo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

Rectal Swab ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Carbapenem Resistant ◽

Before And After ◽

Serial Samples ◽

Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been suggested as an alternative therapeutic option to decolonize carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). However, the analysis of gut microbiota alteration in CRE carriers during FMT is still limited. Here, gut microbiota changes in CRE carriers were evaluated during FMT according to decolonization periods. The decolonization of 10 CRE carriers was evaluated after FMT, using serial consecutive rectal swab cultures. Alterations of gut microbiota before and after FMT (56 serial samples) were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. The decolonization rates of CRE carriers were 40%, 50%, and 90% within 1, 3 and 5 months after initial FMT, respectively. Gut microbiota significantly changed after FMT (p = 0.003). Microbiota alteration was different between the early decolonization carriers (EDC) and late decolonization carriers (LDC). Microbiota convergence in carriers to donors was detected in EDC within 4 weeks, and keystone genera within the Bacteroidetes were found in the gut microbiota of EDC before FMT. The relative abundance of Klebsiella was lower in EDC than in LDC, before and after FMT. Our results indicate that FMT is a potential option for CRE decolonization. The gut microbiota of CRE carriers could be used to predict decolonization timing after FMT, and determine repeated FMT necessity.

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Gut Microbiota Implications for Health and Welfare in Farm Animals: A Review

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani12010093 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 93

Author(s):

Siyu Chen ◽

Shuyan Luo ◽

Chao Yan

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Animal Health ◽

Great Influence ◽

Alpha Diversity ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Production Performance ◽

Farm Animal ◽

Abnormal Behavior ◽

Farm Animals

In the past few decades, farm animal health and welfare have been paid increasing concern worldwide. Farm animal health and welfare are generally assessed by the measurements of physical health, immune response, behavior, and physiological indicators. The gut microbiota has been reported to have a great influence on host phenotypes, possibly via the immune processes, neural functions, and endocrine pathways, thereby influencing host phenotypes. However, there are few reviews regarding farm animals’ health and welfare status concerning the gut microbiota. In this point of view, (1) we reviewed recent studies showing that gut microbiota (higher alpha diversity, beneficial composition, and positive functions) effectively influenced health characteristics, immunity, behaviors, and stress response in farm animals (such as pigs, chickens, and cows), which would provide a novel approach to measure and evaluate the health status and welfare of farm animals. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as one of the methods can modulate the recipient individual’s gut microbiota to realize the expected phenotype. Further, (2) we highlighted the application of FMT on the improvement of the production performance, the reduction in disease and abnormal behavior, as well as the attenuation of stress in farm animals. It is concluded that the gut microbiota can be scientifically used to assess and improve the welfare of farm animals. Moreover, FMT may be a helpful strategy to reduce abnormal behavior and improve stress adaption, as well as the treatment of disease for farm animals. This review suggests that gut microbiota is a promising field to evaluate and improve animal welfare.

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A systematic review on the role of microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of eating disorders

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/j.eurpsy.2020.109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Elvira Anna Carbone ◽

Pasquale D'Amato ◽

Giuseppe Vicchio ◽

Pasquale De Fazio ◽

Cristina Segura-Garcia

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Eating Disorders ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Intestinal Inflammation ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Alpha Diversity ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Affective Symptoms

Abstract Background There is growing interest in new factors contributing to the genesis of eating disorders (EDs). Research recently focused on the study of microbiota. Dysbiosis, associated with a specific genetic susceptibility, may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, and several putative mechanisms have already been identified. Diet seems to have an impact not only on modification of the gut microbiota, facilitating dysbiosis, but also on its recovery in patients with EDs. Methods This systematic review based on the PICO strategy searching into PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library examined the literature on the role of altered microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of EDs. Results Sixteen studies were included, mostly regarding AN. Alpha diversity and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were lower in patients with AN, and affective symptoms and ED psychopathology seem related to changes in gut microbiota. Microbiota-derived proteins stimulated the autoimmune system, altering neuroendocrine control of mood and satiety in EDs. Microbial richness increased in AN after weight regain on fecal microbiota transplantation. Conclusions Microbiota homeostasis seems essential for a healthy communication network between gut and brain. Dysbiosis may promote intestinal inflammation, alter gut permeability, and trigger immune reactions in the hunger/satiety regulation center contributing to the pathophysiological development of EDs. A restored microbial balance may be a possible treatment target for EDs. A better and more in-depth characterization of gut microbiota and gut–brain crosstalk is required. Future studies may deepen the therapeutic and preventive role of microbiota in EDs.

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Fecal microbiota transplantation in HIV: A pilot placebo-controlled study

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-21472-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sergio Serrano-Villar ◽

Alba Talavera-Rodríguez ◽

María José Gosalbes ◽

Nadia Madrid ◽

José A. Pérez-Molina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Alpha Diversity ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Intestinal Damage ◽

Double Blind ◽

Fatty Acid Binding

AbstractChanges in the microbiota have been linked to persistent inflammation during treated HIV infection. In this pilot double-blind study, we study 30 HIV-infected subjects on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with a CD4/CD8 ratio < 1 randomized to either weekly fecal microbiota capsules or placebo for 8 weeks. Stool donors were rationally selected based on their microbiota signatures. We report that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is safe, not related to severe adverse events, and attenuates HIV-associated dysbiosis. FMT elicits changes in gut microbiota structure, including significant increases in alpha diversity, and a mild and transient engraftment of donor’s microbiota during the treatment period. The greater engraftment seems to be achieved by recent antibiotic use before FMT. The Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families, which are typically depleted in people with HIV, are the taxa more robustly engrafted across time-points. In exploratory analyses, we describe a significant amelioration in the FMT group in intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP), a biomarker of intestinal damage that independently predicts mortality. Gut microbiota manipulation using a non-invasive and safe strategy of FMT delivery is feasible and deserves further investigation. Trial number: NCT03008941.

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Comparative Analysis of Fecal Microbiota of Grazing Mongolian Cattle from Different Regions in Inner Mongolia, China

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11071938 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1938

Author(s):

Han Aricha ◽

Huasai Simujide ◽

Chunjie Wang ◽

Jian Zhang ◽

Wenting Lv ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Community Structure ◽

Microbial Community ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Inner Mongolia ◽

Alpha Diversity ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Composition Analysis ◽

Geographical Factors ◽

Rrna Sequencing ◽

Xilingol Grassland

Mongolian cattle from China have strong adaptability and disease resistance. We aimed to compare the gut microbiota community structure and diversity in grazing Mongolian cattle from different regions in Inner Mongolia and to elucidate the influence of geographical factors on the intestinal microbial community structure. We used high throughput 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the fecal microbial community and diversity in samples from 60 grazing Mongolian cattle from Hulunbuir Grassland, Xilingol Grassland, and Alxa Desert. A total of 2,720,545 high-quality reads and sequences that were 1,117,505,301 bp long were obtained. Alpha diversity among the three groups showed that the gut microbial diversity in Mongolian cattle in the grasslands was significantly higher than that in the desert. The dominant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, whereas Verrucomicrobia presented the highest abundance in the gut of cattle in the Alxa Desert. The gut bacterial communities in cattle from the grasslands versus the Alxa Desert were distinctive, and those from the grasslands were closely clustered. Community composition analysis revealed significant differences in species diversity and richness. Overall, the composition of the gut microbiota in Mongolian cattle is affected by geographical factors. Gut microbiota may play important roles in the geographical adaptations of Mongolian cattle.

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Interplay between the Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Mediators in the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13040734 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 734

Author(s):

Gwangbeom Heo ◽

Yunna Lee ◽

Eunok Im

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Inflammatory Mediators ◽

Tumor Metastasis ◽

Intestinal Tract ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Potential Therapeutic Target ◽

Necrosis Factor

Inflammatory mediators modulate inflammatory pathways during the development of colorectal cancer. Inflammatory mediators secreted by both immune and tumor cells can influence carcinogenesis, progression, and tumor metastasis. The gut microbiota, which colonize the entire intestinal tract, especially the colon, are closely linked to colorectal cancer through an association with inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor, nuclear factor kappa B, interleukins, and interferons. This association may be a potential therapeutic target, since therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiota have been actively investigated in both the laboratory and in clinics and include fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics.

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Crosstalk between Gut and Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Role of Gut Microbiota Modulation Strategies

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020690 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 690

Author(s):

Umair Shabbir ◽

Muhammad Sajid Arshad ◽

Aysha Sameen ◽

Deog-Hwan Oh

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Gut Dysbiosis ◽

Dynamic Population

The gut microbiota (GM) represents a diverse and dynamic population of microorganisms and about 100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells that dwell in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies suggest that the GM can influence the health of the host, and several factors can modify the GM composition, such as diet, drug intake, lifestyle, and geographical locations. Gut dysbiosis can affect brain immune homeostasis through the microbiota–gut–brain axis and can play a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The relationship between gut dysbiosis and AD is still elusive, but emerging evidence suggests that it can enhance the secretion of lipopolysaccharides and amyloids that may disturb intestinal permeability and the blood–brain barrier. In addition, it can promote the hallmarks of AD, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta formation, insulin resistance, and ultimately the causation of neural death. Poor dietary habits and aging, along with inflammatory responses due to dysbiosis, may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, GM modulation through diet, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation could represent potential therapeutics in AD. In this review, we discuss the role of GM dysbiosis in AD and potential therapeutic strategies to modulate GM in AD.

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Gut microbiota restoration through fecal microbiota transplantation: a new atopic dermatitis therapy

Experimental & Molecular Medicine ◽

10.1038/s12276-021-00627-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jong-Hwa Kim ◽

Kiyoung Kim ◽

Wonyong Kim

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Mast Cells ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Immune Modulation ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Th1 And Th2 Cytokines ◽

Calprotectin Level ◽

Donor State

AbstractThe pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) involves complex factors, including gut microbiota and immune modulation, which remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to restore gut microbiota via fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to ameliorate AD in mice. FMT was performed using stool from donor mice. The gut microbiota was characterized via 16S rRNA sequencing and analyzed using Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology 2 with the DADA2 plugin. Gut metabolite levels were determined by measuring fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents. AD-induced allergic responses were evaluated by analyzing blood parameters (IgE levels and eosinophil percentage, eosinophil count, basophil percentage, and monocyte percentage), the levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, dermatitis score, and the number of mast cells in the ileum and skin tissues. Calprotectin level was measured to assess gut inflammation after FMT. FMT resulted in the restoration of gut microbiota to the donor state and increases in the levels of SCFAs as gut metabolites. In addition, FMT restored the Th1/Th2 balance, modulated Tregs through gut microbiota, and reduced IgE levels and the numbers of mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils. FMT is associated with restoration of gut microbiota and immunologic balance (Th1/Th2) along with suppression of AD-induced allergic responses and is thus a potential new therapy for AD.

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Contribution of Gut Microbiota-Derived Uremic Toxins to the Cardiovascular System Mineralization

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins13040274 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 274

Author(s):

Iwona Filipska ◽

Agata Winiarska ◽

Monika Knysak ◽

Tomasz Stompór

Keyword(s):

Kidney Disease ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Mineral Content ◽

Uremic Toxins ◽

World Population ◽

Uremic Toxin ◽

Excess Morbidity ◽

The Media ◽

Cardio Vascular ◽

End Stage

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 10% of the world population and leads to excess morbidity and mortality (with cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death). Vascular calcification (VC) is a phenomenon of disseminated deposition of mineral content within the media layer of arteries preceded by phenotypic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and/or accumulation of mineral content within the atherosclerotic lesions. Medial VC results in vascular stiffness and significantly contributes to increased cardio-vascular (CV) morbidity, whereas VC of plaques may rather increase their stability. Mineral and bone disorders of CKD (CKD-MBD) contribute to VC, which is further aggravated by accumulation of uremic toxins. Both CKD-MBD and uremic toxin accumulation affect not only patients with advanced CKD (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min./1.72 m2, end-stage kidney disease) but also those on earlier stages of a disease. The key uremic toxins that contribute to VC, i.e., p-cresyl sulphate (PCS), indoxyl sulphate (IS) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) originate from bacterial metabolism of gut microbiota. All mentioned toxins promote VC by several mechanisms, including: Transdifferentiation and apoptosis of VSMC, dysfunction of endothelial cells, oxidative stress, interaction with local renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system or miRNA profile modification. Several attractive methods of gut microbiota manipulations have been proposed in order to modify their metabolism and to limit vascular damage (and VC) triggered by uremic toxins. Unfortunately, to date no such method was demonstrated to be effective at the level of “hard” patient-oriented or even clinically relevant surrogate endpoints.

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Insights into the Impact of Microbiota in the Treatment of NAFLD/NASH and Its Potential as a Biomarker for Prognosis and Diagnosis

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines9020145 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 145

Author(s):

Julio Plaza-Díaz ◽

Patricio Solis-Urra ◽

Jerónimo Aragón-Vela ◽

Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez ◽

Jorge Olivares-Arancibia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽

Liver Steatosis ◽

Intestinal Barrier ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

Current Treatment ◽

Immune Defense ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

The Impact

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing cause of chronic liver illness associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes mellitus. A more severe type of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is considered an ongoing global health threat and dramatically increases the risks of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several reports have demonstrated that liver steatosis is associated with the elevation of certain clinical and biochemical markers but with low predictive potential. In addition, current imaging methods are inaccurate and inadequate for quantification of liver steatosis and do not distinguish clearly between the microvesicular and the macrovesicular types. On the other hand, an unhealthy status usually presents an altered gut microbiota, associated with the loss of its functions. Indeed, NAFLD pathophysiology has been linked to lower microbial diversity and a weakened intestinal barrier, exposing the host to bacterial components and stimulating pathways of immune defense and inflammation via toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, this activation of inflammation in hepatocytes induces progression from simple steatosis to NASH. In the present review, we aim to: (a) summarize studies on both human and animals addressed to determine the impact of alterations in gut microbiota in NASH; (b) evaluate the potential role of such alterations as biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis of this disorder; and (c) discuss the involvement of microbiota in the current treatment for NAFLD/NASH (i.e., bariatric surgery, physical exercise and lifestyle, diet, probiotics and prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation).

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