Protective effects of fecal microbiota transplantation in sepsis are independent of the modulation of the intestinal flora

• Published in: Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) Los Angeles County, Calif.), 2020-05, Vol.73, p.110727-110727, Article 110727
• Main Authors: Ávila, Pricila Romão Marcondes, Michels, Monique, Vuolo, Francieli, Bilésimo, Rafaela, Burger, Henrique, Milioli, Maria Vitória Meller, Sonai, Beatriz, Borges, Heloisa, Carneiro, Celso, Abatti, Mariane, Santana, Iara Viana Vidigal, Michelon, Cleonice, Dal-Pizzol, Felipe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal models; Bacteria; Chemotherapy; Drug therapy; Endotoxemia; Evaluation; Fecal microbiota transplantation; Fecal microflora; Feces; Flora; Immunomodulation; Inflammation; Intestinal microflora; Intestine; Lipopolysaccharides; Mathematical models; Microbiota; Parameters; Pediatrics; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Proteins; Sepsis; Supplements; Symbiotics; Transplantation; Transplants & implants; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF
• ISSN: 0899-9007; 1873-1244
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2020.110727

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of probiotics and fecal transplantation on inflammatory and oxidative parameters in the intestines of two rat models of sepsis. Rats were treated with prebiotics, probiotics, or symbiotics and exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or zymosan after 15 d to induce endotoxemia. Oxidative damage and inflammation were analyzed, and histologic examination of the intestinal tissue was performed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was carried out in LPS- and zymosan-induced rat models of sepsis. Supplementation with symbiotics for 15 d effectively reduced the inflammatory parameters compared with supplementation for 7 d. Probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics exerted different effects on the evaluated parameters. In general, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. casei exerted better local protective effects. Evaluation of the role of the intestinal microbiota through FMT revealed its protective effects irrespective of the previous treatment with probiotics. Probiotic strains significantly differ among themselves and exert different effects on the host's health. Symbiotics and FMT could offer additional immunomodulatory benefits to drug therapy, thus serving as a new therapeutic alternative in pediatric patients with sepsis. •Lactobacillus casei and L. rhamnosus reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in sepsis.•Probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation may offer additional immunomodulatory benefits.•Probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation may be an option in the therapeutic management of sepsis.