Fecal microbiota transplantation promotes functional recovery in mice with spinal cord injury by modulating the spinal cord microenvironment

This study explores how transplanting gut bacteria from healthy mice to mice with spinal cord injuries (SCI) can help them recover. SCI can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can worsen the injury. The researchers wanted to see if restoring this balance could improve motor function after SCI. The study found that mice who received fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) showed improvements in their ability to move and coordinate. FMT also helped to reduce inflammation and promote a better environment for nerve repair in the spinal cord. Overall, the research suggests that FMT could be a helpful strategy for improving recovery after SCI by restoring the natural balance of gut bacteria and creating a more supportive environment for nerve regeneration.

• 1
  FMT significantly improved motor function recovery in SCI mice compared to those treated with antibiotics alone, as shown by BMS scoring, inclined plane test, and footprint analysis.
• 2
  FMT promoted neuronal survival and axonal regeneration in the spinal cord after SCI, as evidenced by increased Nissl staining, NF-H intensity, and reduced aCaspase-3+/NeuN+ cells.
• 3
  FMT reduced glial scar formation and modulated the inflammatory response in the spinal cord, shown by decreased GFAP and IBA1 expression and altered CD68 distribution.