Fecal microbiota transplantation and next-generation therapies: A review on targeting dysbiosis in metabolic disorders and beyond Original paper

Researched by:

  • Divine Aleru ID
    Divine Aleru

    User avatarI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

    Read More

August 19, 2025

  • Microbes
    Microbes

    Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]

  • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
    Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)

    Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient to restore microbiome balance.

Researched by:

  • Divine Aleru ID
    Divine Aleru

    User avatarI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

    Read More

Last Updated: 2025-08-19

Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.

Divine Aleru

I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

What was studied?

The article provides a comprehensive review of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and next-generation therapies targeting dysbiosis in metabolic disorders and beyond. It explores the therapeutic potential of FMT in treating conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome by modulating the gut microbiome. The review discusses the mechanisms behind FMT’s ability to restore microbial balance, its application in metabolic diseases, and emerging therapies that target the microbiome for better therapeutic outcomes.

Who was studied?

The review summarizes clinical trials, preclinical studies, and emerging therapies involving the use of FMT and other microbiota-targeted interventions in various populations. These studies focus on patients with metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The research evaluates the effects of fecal microbiota from healthy donors on restoring gut microbial diversity and improving metabolic parameters in these patient groups.

Most important findings

FMT has shown promise in restoring microbial diversity and functionality, particularly in metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Studies revealed that transplanting fecal material from lean, healthy donors to patients with metabolic syndrome could increase gut microbial diversity and improve insulin sensitivity. However, challenges remain, including variability in long-term effectiveness and safety concerns. Next-generation therapies like prebiotics, probiotics, and engineered microbial consortia are emerging as complementary or alternative approaches to FMT, providing more targeted treatments. These therapies aim to modulate the gut microbiome more precisely, enhancing the efficacy of microbiome-based interventions.

Key implications

The findings suggest that FMT and microbiome-targeted therapies hold significant potential in treating metabolic disorders. These approaches offer a more personalized and potentially more effective way to address the underlying microbial imbalances contributing to diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, further research is necessary to standardize protocols, ensure safety, and identify the best strategies for long-term benefits. The integration of microbiome modulation with other therapeutic modalities could enhance outcomes and reduce the recurrence of metabolic disorders.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient to restore microbiome balance.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.

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