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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Human Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Reduces the Susceptibility to Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Germ-Free Mouse
Yapeng Yang1, Xiaojiao Zheng2, Yuqing Wang1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
In clinical practice, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and has shown certain effects. However, the selection of FMT donors and the mechanism underlying the effect of FMT intervention in IBD require further exploration. In this study, dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice were used to determine the differences in the protection of colitis symptoms, inflammation, and intestinal barrier, by FMT from two donors. Intriguingly, pre-administration of healthy bacterial fluid significantly relieved the symptoms of colitis compared to the ulcerative colitis (UC) bacteria. In addition, healthy donor (HD) bacteria significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory markers Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), and various pro-inflammatory factors, in colitis mice, and increased the secretion of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Metagenomic sequencing indicated higher species diversity and higher abundance of anti-inflammatory bacteria in the HD intervention group, including Alistipes putredinis, Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacterium Christensenella minuta, and secondary bile acids (SBAs)-producing bacterium Clostridium leptum. In the UC intervention group, the SCFA-producing bacterium Bacteroides stercoris, IBD-related bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus, Enterococcus faecalis, and the conditional pathogen Bacteroides caccae, were more abundant. Metabolomics analysis showed that the two types of FMT significantly modulated the metabolism of DSS-induced mice. Moreover, compared with the UC intervention group, indoleacetic acid and unsaturated fatty acids (DHA, DPA, and EPA) with anti-inflammatory effects were significantly enriched in the HD intervention group. In summary, these results indicate that FMT can alleviate the symptoms of colitis, and the effect of HD intervention is better than that of UC intervention. This study offers new insights into the mechanisms of FMT clinical intervention in IBD.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy donors effectively treats colitis symptoms and inflammation in mice. This approach shows promise for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by restoring beneficial gut bacteria and metabolites.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Immunology
- Microbiome Research
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is utilized in clinical practice for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet donor selection and underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
- Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice serves as a model to evaluate FMT efficacy and donor-specific effects on gut health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the protective effects of FMT from healthy donors (HD) versus ulcerative colitis (UC) donors on colitis symptoms, inflammation, and intestinal barrier integrity in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the mechanistic differences, including microbial composition and metabolite profiles, associated with effective FMT interventions in IBD.
Main Methods:
- Induction of colitis in mice using DSS, followed by FMT administration from either healthy or UC donors.
- Assessment of colitis symptoms, inflammatory markers (MPO, EPO), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10).
- Metagenomic sequencing to analyze gut microbial composition and diversity.
- Metabolomics analysis to identify key metabolic pathways and compounds modulated by FMT.
Main Results:
- FMT from healthy donors significantly alleviated colitis symptoms, reduced inflammatory markers (MPO, EPO), and increased IL-10 levels compared to UC donor FMT.
- HD-FMT enriched beneficial bacteria like *Alistipes putredinis*, *Akkermansia muciniphila*, and SCFA/SBA producers, while UC-FMT increased IBD-associated bacteria.
- HD-FMT led to increased levels of anti-inflammatory compounds such as indoleacetic acid and unsaturated fatty acids (DHA, DPA, EPA).
Conclusions:
- FMT can effectively alleviate colitis symptoms, with healthy donor FMT demonstrating superior therapeutic effects compared to UC donor FMT.
- The beneficial effects of HD-FMT are associated with restored microbial diversity, enrichment of anti-inflammatory bacteria, and modulation of host metabolism.
- This study provides critical insights into the mechanisms of FMT in IBD and supports the importance of donor selection for therapeutic efficacy.
