Fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of obesity and its associated comorbidities: A review

Abstract

Obesity is a worldwide health problem. There is evidence of the interaction between the gut microbiota metabolic regulation, and obesity. The global problem of obesity has prompted the study of new preventive and/or therapeutic proposals. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is projected as a possible treatment for obesity and its associated comorbidities. The objective of this study is to synthesize the current documentation that exists on the effect in metabolic and clinical parameters produced by FMT in humans with obesity, as well as to make evident the methodology used in FMT. Primary results indicated the existence of significant changes in the composition of gut microbiota and improvement in some metabolic markers such as a decrease in insulin resistance (IR) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), as well as an increase in high-density cholesterol (HDL). Further changed were noted in clinical markers such as the decrease in body mass index and waist circumference. Secondary results supported the need to standardize the experimental design of FMT, starting with establishing the correct selection of donors to determine the long-term follow-up of FMT. In conclusion, even though there is a limited number of studies and a lack of standardization on the methodology to carry out FMT, some positive metabolic associations have been shown, which is why FMT remains a potentially promising option for treatment adjuvant of obesity.