Is stool transplantation a possible treatment for Parkinson's?

Stool transplantation, also called fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), is a treatment in which stool from a healthy donor is introduced into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient to restore intestinal flora.

Although FMT is currently mainly used to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, it is also being investigated as a potential treatment for other conditions, including Parkinson's.

The interest in FMT as a treatment for Parkinson's stems from a growing body of evidence that the gut microbiota may play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Research has shown that patients with Parkinson's often have changes in their intestinal flora. Furthermore, there is evidence that inflammatory processes in the gut may contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration that characterize Parkinson's.

Although preliminary results are promising, research into FMT as a treatment for Parkinson's is still in its early stages. Some small studies and case reports have shown improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's after FMT.

While there is potential for FMT as a treatment option for Parkinson's, more research is needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of this approach. It is important that patients with Parkinson's who are interested in FMT discuss it with their healthcare providers and only participate in approved clinical trials.

Source: https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/08280/fecal_microbiota_transplantation_therapy_for.103.aspx

Source: https://www.clinicalnutritionjournal.com/article/S0261-5614(24)00182-1/abstract

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-29 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024