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Updated: Aug 6, 2025
Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation
Published on: May 26, 2023
Fecal microbiota transplantation in Parkinson's disease-A randomized repeat-dose, placebo-controlled clinical pilot
Herbert L DuPont1,2,3,4, Jessika Suescun5, Zhi-Dong Jiang2
1Microbiome Research Center, Kelsey Research Foundation, Houston, TX, United States.
Background And Purpose:
The intestinal microbiome plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and may provide an opportunity for disease modification. We performed a pilot clinical study looking at the safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), its effect on the microbiome, and improvement of symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
Methods:
This was a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study, wherein orally administered lyophilized FMT product or matching placebo was given to 12 subjects with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease with constipation twice weekly for 12 weeks. Subjects were followed for safety and clinical improvement for 9 additional months (total study duration 12 months).
Results:
Fecal microbiota transplantation caused non-severe transient upper gastrointestinal symptoms. One subject receiving FMT was diagnosed with unrelated metastatic cancer and was removed from the trial. Beta diversity (taxa) of the microbiome, was similar comparing placebo and FMT groups at baseline, however, for subjects randomized to FMT, it increased significantly at 6 weeks (p = 0.008) and 13 weeks (p = 0.0008). After treatment with FMT, proportions of selective families within the phylum Firmicutes increased significantly, while proportion of microbiota belonging to Proteobacteria were significantly reduced. Objective motor findings showed only temporary improvement while subjective symptom improvements were reported compared to baseline in the group receiving FMT. Constipation, gut transient times (NS), and gut motility index (p = 0.0374) were improved in the FMT group.
Conclusions:
Subjects with Parkinson's disease tolerated multi-dose-FMT, and experienced increased diversity of the intestinal microbiome that was associated with reduction in constipation and improved gut transit and intestinal motility. Fecal microbiota transplantation administration improved subjective motor and non-motor symptoms.
Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrial.gov, identifier: NCT03671785.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in Parkinson's disease patients improved gut microbiome diversity and constipation. FMT also led to better subjective motor and non-motor symptoms, showing potential for disease modification.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- The gut microbiome is implicated in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is being explored as a therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of FMT in patients with Parkinson's disease.
- To assess the impact of FMT on the gut microbiome composition and PD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study involving 12 subjects with mild to moderate PD and constipation.
- Oral administration of FMT or placebo twice weekly for 12 weeks, with a 9-month follow-up period.
Main Results:
- FMT was generally well-tolerated, causing transient gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Significant increase in gut microbiome beta diversity and changes in microbial composition (increased Firmicutes, decreased Proteobacteria) were observed in the FMT group.
- Improvements in constipation, gut transit time, and gut motility index were noted.
- Subjective improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms were reported in the FMT group, though objective motor findings were temporary.
Conclusions:
- Multi-dose FMT is safe and well-tolerated in Parkinson's disease patients.
- FMT increases intestinal microbiome diversity, alleviates constipation, and improves gut function.
- FMT administration shows promise in improving subjective motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
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