Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation
Published on: May 26, 2023
Fecal microbiota transplantation as an effective way in treating methylmercury-poisoned rats
Yanfei Zhang1, Qingxuan Liu1, Hongxin Xie2
1Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, Jilin, China.
Abstract:
Methylmercury (MeHg) can cause devastating neurotoxicity in animals and human beings. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been found in MeHg-poisoned animals. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in a variety of diseases such as epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and autism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FMT on MeHg-poisoned rats. FMT treatment was applied to MeHg-poisoned rats for 14 days. The neurobehavior, weight changes, dopamine (DA), the total Hg and MeHg level were evaluated. Besides, the gut microbiota and metabolites change in feces were also checked. It was found that FMT helped weight gain, alleviated the neurological disorders, enhanced fecal mercury excretion and MeHg demethylation, reconstructed gut microbiome and promoted the production of gut-brain axis related-metabolites in MeHg-poisoned rats. This study elaborates on the therapeutic efficacy of FMT in treating of MeHg-poisoned rats, which sheds lights on the treatment of neurological diseases like Minamata Disease and even Parkinson's Disease.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) improved neurological disorders and mercury levels in methylmercury-poisoned rats. FMT also restored gut microbiome balance and promoted beneficial metabolites, offering potential treatments for neurotoxic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Methylmercury (MeHg) causes severe neurotoxicity.
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to MeHg poisoning.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows therapeutic potential in various neurological diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of FMT on methylmercury-poisoned rats.
- To evaluate neurobehavioral changes, mercury levels, and gut microbiome alterations post-FMT.
Main Methods:
- Administered FMT to MeHg-poisoned rats for 14 days.
- Assessed neurobehavior, weight changes, dopamine levels, and mercury concentrations (total Hg and MeHg).
- Analyzed fecal gut microbiota composition and metabolite profiles.
Main Results:
- FMT treatment led to significant weight gain and alleviated neurological deficits in MeHg-poisoned rats.
- Enhanced fecal mercury excretion and MeHg demethylation were observed after FMT.
- FMT reconstructed the gut microbiome and promoted the production of gut-brain axis-related metabolites.
Conclusions:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy in mitigating methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in rats.
- FMT normalizes gut microbiota, enhances mercury detoxification, and improves neurological function.
- This study provides a basis for exploring FMT as a treatment for methylmercury poisoning and related neurological disorders like Minamata and Parkinson's diseases.
