FMT

Microbiome therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile

Dutch study showed associations with less severe depression and better self-rated health

Technology Networks had the pleasure of speaking to Thomas Lendvay, CMO and co-founder of Tend about the current applications of gut microbiota transplants and how they could be used in future.

Background Altered intestinal microbiota composition in later life is associated with inflammaging, declining tissue function, and increased susceptibility to age-associated chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative dementias. Here, we tested the hypothesis that manipulating the intestinal microbiota influences the development of major comorbidities associated with aging and, in particular, inflammation affecting the brain and retina. Methods Using fecal microbiota transplantation, we exchanged the intestinal microbiota of young (3 months), old (18 months), and aged (24 months) mice. Whole metagenomic shotgun sequencing and metabolomics were used to develop a custom analysis workflow, to analyze the changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolic potential. Effects of age and microbiota transfer on the gut barrier, retina, and brain were assessed using protein assays, immunohistology, and behavioral testing. Results We show that microbiota composition profiles and key species enriched in young or aged mice are successfully transferred by FMT between young and aged mice and that FMT modulates resulting metabolic pathway profiles. The transfer of aged donor microbiota into young mice accelerates age-associated central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, retinal inflammation, and cytokine signaling and promotes loss of key functional protein in the eye, effects which are coincident with increased intestinal barrier permeability. Conversely, these detrimental effects can be reversed by the transfer of young donor microbiota. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that the aging gut microbiota drives detrimental changes in the gut–brain and gut–retina axes suggesting that microbial modulation may be of therapeutic benefit in preventing inflammation-related tissue decline in later life. Video abstract Graphical abstract

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is the process of transferring the fecal microbiome from a healthy donor to an individual with repeated multiple episodes of Clostridium difficile infectio...

The susceptibility of mice to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection depends on their genetic background. The gut microbiota modulates the antiviral immune response in the liver and plays a protective role against HBV infection. However, whether HBV infection outcomes depend on the gut microbiota remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the gut microbiota composition in naïve BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The gut microbiota in BALB/c mice was depleted using broad-spectrum antibiotics (ABX) and then reconstituted with fecal microbiota from naïve BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the outcomes of and immune response to HBV infection. We found that HBV infection outcomes and the gut microbiota composition differed between BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Commensal bacteria from the fecal microbiota selectively colonized the guts of ABX-treated BALB/c mice. Mice receiving fecal microbiota from BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice displayed different HBV infection outcomes. The fecal microbiota from C57BL/6 mice induced immune tolerance in the liver and prolonged HBV infection. In conclusion, HBV infection outcomes in mice are determined by the host genetic background and gut microbiota composition. Reconstitution of the gut microbiota by FMT can alter the susceptibility to HBV infection in mice.

New findings revealed that fecal transplants from young to old rodents prompted a reversal of some of the effects of aging, particularly on their brains and eyes.

Fecal microbiota transplantation is proving to be an effective treatment for many patients with specific disorders associated with dysbiosis.

The idea of treating psychiatric disorders with another person's poo is gaining traction in research and clinical circles. But how does it work and what do we need to know before it can be widely used to mend minds?

In the search for eternal youth, poo transplants may seem like an unlikely way to reverse the aging process.

NCT04031469 (PCR-) and 04359836 (PCR+).

Our TIL program @lemelbaum is up and running, hopefully soon we will initiate the new protocol incorporating FMT for #immunotherapy refractory #Melanoma patients https://t.co/UkI2QiSY5m— Ronen Stoff, MD (@RonenStoff) April 21, 2022

A scoop on poop 💩 ! An excellent talk by renowned gastroenterologist Dr #ShivSarin on #FMT (Faecal Microbiota Transplantation) #RBF2020 #ILBS pic.twitter.com/ebmoezpxP6— NASH24x7 (@nash24x7) February 8, 2020

In the FMT and GI cancer late-breaker session, Qin Liu from @CUHKMedicine presents a study investigating the gut bacteriome/virome after #FMT in patients with carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) #UEGWeek pic.twitter.com/kbyR2b7NKo— The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology (@LancetGastroHep) October 5, 2021

Objective: To investigate the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: A total of 8-9 week-female NOD mice were randomly divided into control (n=36) and FMT group …

Many of the most promising candidates do not respond when contacted directly, so we're hoping $180,000/yr for 30 minutes of work each day is finally enough incentive for them to apply. #Athletics #Athlete #FMT #fecaltransplant #microbiome #health— Michael J Harrop (@MichaelJHarrop1) April 25, 2022

Companies working to develop microbiome-based therapies believe there is untapped potential in the area and are developing therapies not just in gastrointestinal conditions but also in broader areas, such an immuno-oncology.

43% of the GIs polled in our community do NOT currently offer Fecal Microbiota Transplant. What holds your center back from offering FMT?@ DrJessicaA #gastroenterology #innovation #Cdifficile #FMT pic.twitter.com/HPoazALe6x— KeyOps (@keyopsinc) April 26, 2022

This Special Report provides a general overview of the role of the gut microbiome, the consequences of its perturbation in C. difficile infection and recurrent C. difficile infection, and novel approaches to treating and preventing these infections.

Novel strategies to modulate the microbiota are now an area of robust investigation

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is regarded as an efficacious treatment for recurrent C. difficile infection. Unfortunately, widespread patient access is hindered by regulatory hurdles, which are the primary barriers to incorporating FMT into clinical practice. At the European and Int …

Gut microbiota-testis axis: FMT improves systemic and testicular micro-environment to increase semen quality in type 1 diabetes.#type1diabetes #fmt 👇https://t.co/RTVqRVv6WX pic.twitter.com/gy7T22HjYq— Sáfárné Hatrágyi Henrietta (@HatragyiSafarne) April 26, 2022

This meta-analysis supports FMT as a safe option for treating recurrent CDI. Future randomized trials are needed to improve our current understanding of FMT safety and further examine the improvements in the quality of life of patients treated with FMT compared to standard therapy of antibiotics.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents a cost-effective strategy for first recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), according to findings published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Elizabeth S. Aby, MD, and colleagues created a model to simulate patients with initial CDI, estimating costs, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of CDI treatment regimens recommended in the 2021 IDSA guidelines, with […]