Therapeutic Potential of Gut Microbiome Manipulation: Concepts in Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Abstract

Microbial Alterations and Dysbiosis: The composition and diversity of gut microbiota is an indicator of health and various groups of commensal bacteria provide health advantages as they enhance metabolism, the immune system, cancer resistance, endocrine signaling and brain function. In general, the gut microbiome remains relatively resilient over time, however, antibiotic use, erratic diet, illness and other factors can lead to alterations and dysbiosis, which weaken various elements of the barrier, causing collapse of the mucus layer that separates epithelial cells and microbiota and reduced expression of antimicrobial peptides which control bacteria including C. difficile.