What is fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)?
Dysbiosis is the term used to describe the disruption in the intestinal ecosystem due to various reasons such as diseases, antibiotics, medications, and exposure to chemical substances. The imbalance in the intestines can lead to a reduced release of mediators necessary for health; detoxification processes for harmful substances can be impaired. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the procedure of transferring feces from a healthy donor to the digestive system of a patient in order to improve the intestinal microbiota.
How is the FMT procedure performed?
The FMT procedure is usually carried out via endoscopy, colonoscopy, or rectal enema. Feces obtained from the donor under anaerobic and dark intestinal conditions are filtered and processed in a laboratory environment to make them suitable for transplantation to the patient, and are often administered fresh. In some cases, frozen fecal flora material can be used, which may be administered through methods such as capsules or enemas when needed.
What are the substances produced by the Gut Microbiota and their effects on host health?
The gut microbiota secretes various beneficial substances. Here are some of them
Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA): SCFAs such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate are derived from fermented fibers. They serve as an energy source for intestinal cells and help reduce inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier.
Antimicrobial Peptides: Gut bacteria secrete antimicrobial peptides that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
Vitamins: The gut microbiota synthesizes certain vitamins, particularly B vitamins and vitamin K.
Hormones: Gut bacteria play a role in the production of certain hormones that affect hunger, satiety, and metabolism (for example, ghrelin and leptin).
Immunomodulatory Compounds: The gut microbiota produces various compounds (such as cytokines) that regulate the immune system.
Serotonin: Some bacteria in the gut contribute to serotonin production, which can affect mood.
What are the benefits of FMT?
FMT is performed to repair the disrupted gut flora and restore a healthy gut microbiota to the individual. A healthy gut flora (microbiota) has significant effects on overall health and offers many benefits. Here are some known advantages of a healthy gut flora:
Digestive Health: The gut flora facilitates digestion by assisting in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. It produces beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through the fermentation of fiber-rich foods.
Immune System Support: The gut microbiota strengthens the immune system. It creates a protective barrier against pathogens and helps regulate immune responses.
Mental Health: Research suggests that gut flora can positively affect mental health through the "gut-brain" axis. It plays a role in managing conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Metabolism and Weight Control: A healthy gut flora helps regulate metabolism, contributing to energy balance. It has the potential to reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Reduction of Inflammation: Gut microbiota can reduce systemic inflammation, potentially being effective in preventing conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases.
Vitamin and Nutrient Production: Gut bacteria assist in the synthesis of vitamins like B vitamins (especially B12 and folate) and vitamin K.
What are the FDA requirements for FMT treatment?
Research shows that 80-90% of patients who undergo FMT have their infection cured. Currently, according to FDA Guidelines, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the first choice for treating C.diff patients, as it has been proven to be a highly successful and safe method. . To date, in the observations after tens of thousands of applications for the treatment of C. Difficile, it has been shown that there are improvements in symptoms in neurological diseases such as autism, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, MS, which currently have no effective treatment, psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and depression, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, functional bowel diseases such as Sibo, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, auto immune and allergic diseases such as Hashimoto's, Sjögren's syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, and advanced research is being carried out on volunteers in many clinics around the world due to the positive developments seen in the health of the patients and because it has been proven to be a safe method; The potential benefits of FMT are also being investigated. However, this area is still evolving and the effects of FMT on these conditions require further research. Every patient’s situation is different and the effectiveness of FMT may vary depending on individual factors, the type of disease, and the gut flora prior to treatment. Therefore, it is important to have a detailed evaluation with a healthcare professional if you are considering FMT. Unfortunately, after decades of safe use for C. Difficile patients and hundreds of thousands of trials, we are far from offering patients other options for other diseases that do not have other treatment options. For patients who do not have other treatment options, it is reasonable to consider that they do not have the time or patience to wait for FMT to become the standard of care and that they want to try the method. In conclusion, FMT offers an effective treatment option for certain conditions and has the potential to provide a wider range of benefits in the future.
100+ Gram Flora. What is the Gold Standard in FMT
At Medikanus, we perform Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) with meticulous care. Our procedure involves the use of at least 100 grams of fresh stool from rigorously tested donors—18-35 years old, non-smokers, and non-drinkers. The flora is processed within 2-4 hours in a cold, anaerobic environment at +15°C and administered under sedation. We deliver 60-120 cc via gastroscopy to the third section of the duodenum and 400-500 cc via colonoscopy to the cecum. Depending on the condition, the procedure may be repeated at different intervals."
