Fecal microbiota transplants: One man's trash is another man's treasure

This video introduces the topic of obesity and the gut microbiota and how they may be linked. Fecal microbiota transplants are discussed as a currently researched potential treatment for symptoms associated with obesity.

Fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) involve transferring the microbiota from one individual to another. Recent studies have demonstrated FMTs as a possible and promising therapeutic technique to help treat obesity. A recent pilot trial studied the effect of FMTs on obese individuals. They gave obese individuals oral capsules containing microbiota from lean donors. No significant weight loss was observed; however, the researchers did see signs of progress. As a result of this treatment, the participants’ microbiota more so resembled that of the lean donor and they had reduced levels of a substance that aids in fat absorption (bile acid).

Although FMTs are unlikely to be a cure, they are an important route to consider in the treatment of obesity, especially in the current day obesity epidemic.

This video was made by McMaster Demystifying Medicine Students Soren, Farnia, Debbie, and Samina.

Copyright McMaster University 2019

References:

Allegretti, J. R., Kassam, Z., Mullish, B. H., Chiang, A., Carrellas, M., Hurtado, J., ... & Blanco, J. M. (2019). Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation with oral capsules in obese patients. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Dailey, F. E., Turse, E. P., Daglilar, E., & Tahan, V. (2019). The dirty aspects of fecal microbiota transplantation: a review of its adverse effects and complications. Current opinion in pharmacology, 49, 29-33.

Turnbaugh, P. J., Ley, R. E., Mahowald, M. A., Magrini, V., Mardis, E. R., & Gordon, J. I. (2006). An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest. nature, 444(7122), 1027.