Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Fecal microbiota transplantation for chronic constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical
1The Second Department of Surgery, Jiyuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiyuan, China.
Background:
Chronic constipation, a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with limited treatment efficacy in refractory cases, has prompted exploration of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a novel therapeutic strategy. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the efficacy, safety, and gut microbial dynamics of FMT in adults with chronic constipation.
Methods:
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to January 2025, identifying 1,072 records. Nine studies (n = 245 patients) met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, with eight contributing to meta-analysis. Outcomes included constipation remission and improvement, stool metrics, quality of life, and microbiota changes. Random-effects models analyzed pooled remission rates, mean differences (MDs), and heterogeneity (I2 statistics).
Results:
Fecal microbiota transplantation achieved a 50.7% pooled remission rate (95% CI: 38.7%-62.7%) and 64.8% improvement rate (95% CI: 51.4%-76.3%). Significant improvements were observed in stool consistency (MD = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.35), quality of life (GIQLI MD = 32.19, 95% CI: 17.15-47.23), and symptom severity (Wexner MD = -4.83, 95% CI: -7.15-2.51). Post-FMT microbiota analyses revealed enrichment of beneficial taxa (Bifidobacterium, Prevotella; Firmicutesacteroidetes) and suppression of pro-inflammatory Enterobacteriaceae. Transient gastrointestinal adverse events (e.g., bloating: 17.3%) resolved spontaneously, with no severe complications reported.
Conclusion:
Fecal microbiota transplantation demonstrates clinically meaningful symptom relief and gut microbiota remodeling in chronic constipation, supported by favorable short-term safety. While heterogeneity in protocols and limited RCT data warrant caution, these findings advocate standardized FMT frameworks and confirmatory trials to optimize therapeutics for refractory constipation.
Systematic Review Registration:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42025643634.
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