Modulation of visceral sensitivity by faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT): the active role of gut microbiota in the persistence of abdominal pain

Abstract

Background. Recent findings linked gastrointestinal disorders characterized by abdominal pain to gut microbiota composition. The present work aimed to evaluate the power of gut microbiota as a visceral pain modulator and, consequently, the relevance of its manipulation as a therapeutic option in reversing the persistence of visceral hypersensitivity consequent to colitis induced by the intra-rectal injection of 2,4-dinitrobezenesulfonic acid (DNBS) in rats. Results: The effect of faecal microbiota transfer (FMT) from viscerally hypersensitive DNBS and naïve donors was evaluated in control rats after an antibiotic-mediated microbiota depletion. FMT from DNBS donors induced a long-lasting visceral hypersensitivity in control rats. Pain threshold trend correlated with major modifications in the composition and structure of the gut microbiota at phylum (Proteobacteria and Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio) and family levels (Enterobacteriaceae, Akkermansiaceae and Lachnospiraceae). Acetic acid was significantly increased in the recipients FMT from DNBS donors. Gut cytokine profile, as well as tryptophan metabolism were similarly altered after FMT from both DNBS and naïve donors. By contrast, no significant alterations of colon histology, permeability and monoamines levels were detected. Finally, following FMT from healthy donors to DNBS-treated animals, a counteraction of persistent visceral pain was achieved. Conclusions: The present results provide novel insights into the relationship between intestinal microbiota and visceral hypersensitivity, highlighting the therapeutic potential of microbiota modulation on persistent abdominal pain.

Fecal microbiota transplantation derived from Alzheimer’s disease mice worsens brain trauma outcomes in wild-type controls

“…The growing awareness of the influential role of the gut microbiome has led to the development of novel treatment strategies. Notably, FMT has recently been established as an exciting treatment in multiple areas as the composition of the intestinal microbiome affects different organs and, therefore, may be involved in the development of different diseases (Liu et al, 2020b;Lucarini et al, 2021). For example, changes in the gut microbiota have accelerated neurological disorders by changing the metabolism of tryptophan (Kelly et al, 2016).…”

Naturally occurring glucosinolates and isothiocyanates as a weapon against chronic pain: potentials and limits

“…Accordingly, gut microbiota has been reported to regulates not only visceral sensitivity, but also musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain (Boer et al 2019;Dekker Nitert et al 2020;Ding et al 2021;Minerbi et al 2019a). Considering that changes in the composition and metabolism of microbiota almost inevitably cause alterations in the mechanisms mediating pain signalling (Lucarini et al 2021a;O'Mahony et al 2017;Pusceddu and Gareau 2018), the role played by GLs and ITCs in maintaining the microbial homeostasis might represent an additional mechanism in the regulation of pain disorders.…”

Microbiome First Approaches in Pain Prevention and Management

“…Examples are included that focus on pain associated with gastrointestinal issues (ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel), osteoarthritis, probiotics and headaches, post-surgical pain, neurologic and visceral pain, menopausal status, the risk-benefit role of opioids, the connections between microbiota and microglia activation, and gut microbiota as pertains to pain hypersensitivity vs. tolerance. While a variety of microbiome studies are described within the review articles in Table 1, the most recent preclinical and clinical trials from the past 2-3 years are highlighted in Table 2 [52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71]. Several areas of activity are notable.…”