Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Composition in Mice with CKD
Christophe Barba1,2, Christophe O Soulage1, Gianvito Caggiano3
1CarMeN Lab, INSA-Lyon, INSERM U1060, INRA, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
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.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) improved gut microbiota diversity and reduced uremic toxins in mice with chronic kidney disease (CKD). FMT also enhanced glucose tolerance but did not alter kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is marked by uremic toxin buildup.
- Intestinal microbiota significantly contributes to CKD complications and toxin production.
- Limited strategies exist to reduce uremic toxin concentrations in CKD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can mitigate metabolic complications and uremic toxin accumulation in a mouse model of CKD.
- To assess the impact of FMT on gut microbiota structure and function in CKD.
- To evaluate changes in uremic toxin levels and metabolic profiles post-FMT.
Main Methods:
- CKD was induced in mice using adenine-supplemented diet.
- Mice were divided into control, CKD, and CKD + FMT groups.
- FMT was administered to CKD mice, with outcomes assessed three weeks later.
Main Results:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) increased gut microbial alpha diversity.
- FMT treatment led to a reduction in p-cresyl sulfate, a key uremic toxin.
- Improved glucose tolerance was observed in CKD mice receiving FMT.
- No significant changes in kidney function were detected post-FMT.
Conclusions:
- FMT can limit uremic toxin accumulation from the intestinal cresol pathway by enhancing gut microbiota diversity.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation shows potential therapeutic benefits for CKD-related metabolic issues.
- Further research is required to optimize FMT parameters (efficiency, timing, dosage) for clinical application in CKD patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
01:21Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics