Effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on neurological restoration in a spinal cord injury mouse model: involvement of brain-gut axis

Microbiome, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-021-01007-y · Published: March 17, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Gastroenterology

Simple Explanation

This study explores the connection between gut bacteria and spinal cord injury (SCI). It investigates whether transplanting gut bacteria from healthy mice to SCI mice can improve recovery. The researchers found that transplanting gut bacteria (FMT) helped SCI mice regain movement, regenerate nerve fibers, gain weight, and improve gut health. This suggests a link between gut bacteria and nerve recovery. The study indicates that FMT may reduce inflammation in the spinal cord and gut by altering the levels of specific molecules and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs are produced by gut bacteria and may contribute to the observed benefits.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

120 adult female C57BL/6N mice

Evidence Level

Level 1: Experimental study in mice

Key Findings

1
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) improved locomotor recovery in SCI mice, as indicated by increased BMS scores and improved gait parameters.
2
FMT promoted neuronal survival and axonal regeneration in the spinal cord, suggesting a neuroprotective effect.
3
FMT modulated the composition of gut microbiota in SCI mice, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes and Butyricimonas and restoring fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on neurological restoration in a spinal cord injury (SCI) mouse model. The results demonstrated that FMT facilitated functional recovery, promoted neuronal axonal regeneration, improved animal weight gain and metabolic profiling, and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity and GI motility in SCI mice. The study concludes that reprogramming of gut microbiota by FMT improves locomotor and GI functions in SCI mice, possibly through the anti-inflammatory functions of SCFAs.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

FMT may be a potential therapeutic strategy for improving neurological outcomes and gastrointestinal function in SCI patients.

Gut-Brain Axis

The study highlights the importance of the gut-brain axis in SCI and suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could be a novel approach for SCI treatment.

SCFA Modulation

Modulating the production of SCFAs through dietary interventions or other strategies may be beneficial for SCI recovery.

Study Limitations

1
Study was conducted on mice, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms by which FMT exerts its beneficial effects are not fully elucidated.
3
The long-term effects of FMT on SCI recovery were not assessed.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury