GET THE APP

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Evidence and Controversies
..

Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases & Disorders

ISSN: 2476-1958

Open Access

Commentary - (2024) Volume 9, Issue 2

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Evidence and Controversies

Leeb Boicean*
*Correspondence: Leeb Boicean, Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy, Email:
Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy

Received: 01-May-2024, Manuscript No. jibdd-24-141538; Editor assigned: 03-May-2024, Pre QC No. P-141538; Reviewed: 17-May-2024, QC No. Q-141538; Revised: 23-May-2024, Manuscript No. R-141538; Published: 31-May-2024 , DOI: 10.37421/2476-1958.2024.9.213
Citation: Boicean, Leeb. “Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Evidence and Controversies.” J Inflamm Bowel Dis 9 (2024): 213.
Copyright: © 2024 Boicean L. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Introduction

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic intervention for various gastrointestinal disorders, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD, which encompasses Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, often resulting in significant morbidity. Traditional treatments for IBD include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and biologics; however, these therapies are not always effective and can have substantial side effects. FMT involves the transfer of fecal matter from a healthy donor to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, with the aim of restoring a balanced gut microbiota. This review explores the current evidence supporting the use of FMT in IBD management and delves into the ongoing controversies surrounding this innovative treatment [1].

Description

The rationale behind FMT in IBD management stems from the growing understanding of the gut microbiome's role in maintaining intestinal health and modulating immune responses. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD. FMT aims to re-establish a healthy microbial ecosystem, thereby alleviating inflammation and promoting mucosal healing. Clinical studies have demonstrated varying degrees of success with FMT in IBD patients, with some reporting significant improvements in symptoms and disease remission rates. However, the outcomes have been inconsistent, and the long-term efficacy and safety of FMT remain under investigation [2].

The application of FMT in IBD presents several challenges and controversies. One major concern is the variability in donor selection, preparation, and administration protocols, which can affect treatment outcomes. The identification of optimal donor characteristics and the standardization of FMT procedures are critical for enhancing efficacy. Additionally, while FMT has shown promise in treating Clostridioides difficile infection, its effectiveness in IBD is less clear, and not all patients respond favorably. The potential risks associated with FMT, such as the transmission of infectious agents and adverse immune reactions, further complicate its use [3]. Despite these challenges, ongoing research continues to explore the potential of FMT in IBD management. Advances in microbiome analysis and personalized medicine hold promise for refining FMT approaches and improving patient outcomes. The integration of FMT with other therapeutic modalities, such as dietary interventions and probiotic supplementation, is also being investigated as a way to enhance its effectiveness [4,5].

Conclusion

Fecal microbiota transplantation represents a novel and intriguing approach to managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease, offering hope for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. While the current evidence suggests potential benefits, the use of FMT in IBD is fraught with uncertainties and requires further rigorous investigation. Standardizing FMT protocols and conducting large-scale, randomized controlled trials are essential steps toward establishing its role in IBD therapy. As our understanding of the gut microbiome and its interaction with the immune system evolves, FMT may become a cornerstone of personalized treatment strategies for IBD, providing a new avenue for achieving sustained remission and improving the quality of life for patients.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

  1. Manichanh, Chaysavanh, Natalia Borruel, Francesc Casellas and Francisco Guarner. "The gut microbiota in IBD." Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 9 (2012): 599-608.
  2. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  3. Galeano Niño, Jorge Luis, Hanrui Wu, Kaitlyn D. LaCourse and Andrew G. Kempchinsky, et al. "Effect of the intratumoral microbiota on spatial and cellular heterogeneity in cancer." Nat 611 (2022): 810-817.
  4. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  5. Rowan, Catherine, Ryan Ungaro, Saurabh Mehandru and Jean-Frederic Colombel. "An overview of ozanimod as a therapeutic option for adults with moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis." Expert Opin Pharmacother 23 (2022): 893-904.
  6. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  7. Torres, Joana, Saurabh Mehandru, Jean-Frédéric Colombel and Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet. "Crohn's disease." Lancet 389 (2017): 1741-1755.
  8. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  9. Ng, Siew C., Hai Yun Shi, Nima Hamidi and Fox E. Underwood, et al. "Worldwide incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in the 21st century: A systematic review of population-based studies." Lancet 390 (2017): 2769-2778.
  10. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

Google Scholar citation report
Citations: 77

Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases & Disorders received 77 citations as per Google Scholar report

Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases & Disorders peer review process verified at publons

Indexed In

 
arrow_upward arrow_upward