Liver-Gut-Interaction: Role of Microbiome Transplantation in the Future Treatment of Metabolic Disease

The association between shifts in gut microbiome composition and metabolic disorders is a well-recognized phenomenon. Clinical studies and experimental data suggest a causal relationship, making the gut microbiome an attractive therapeutic goal. Fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) is a method to alter a person's microbiome composition. Although this method allowed for the establishment of proof of concept for using microbiome modulation to treat metabolic disorders, the method is not yet ready for broad application. It is a resource-intensive method that also carries some procedural risks and whose effects are not always reproducible. This review summarizes the current knowledge on FMT to treat metabolic diseases and gives an outlook on open research questions. Further research is undoubtedly required to find applications that are less resource-intensive, such as oral encapsulated formulations, and have strong and predictable results. Furthermore, a clear commitment from all stakeholders is necessary to move forward in the direction of developing live microbial agents, next-generation probiotics, and targeted dietary interventions.

Automated summary

The association between shifts in gut microbiome composition and metabolic disorders is well-established. Fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) has been used to alter microbiome composition to treat metabolic diseases. However, FMT is not widely applicable due to its resource-intensiveness, procedural risks, and inconsistent effects. This review highlights the current knowledge on FMT and emphasizes the need for further research to develop less resource-intensive methods with predictable outcomes, such as encapsulated formulations, as well as commitment from all stakeholders to explore live microbial agents, next-generation probiotics, and targeted dietary interventions.