Fecal microbiota transplantation combined with prebiotics ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice

Aim: To investigate the effect of treatment with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides on ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Materials & methods: A total of 90 mice, divided into nine groups, were administered FMT or prebiotics or combined treatment. The disease activity index scores, gut microbiota and inflammation factors were evaluated. Results: The treatment using FMT combined with galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides in a 9:1 ratio significantly reduced intestinal barrier damage and alleviated symptoms of UC. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and short-chain fatty acids were significantly increased after the combined treatment. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that FMT with prebiotics is a new method for UC treatment.Changes in the bacteria that live in the human gut can cause ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory disease in the bowel. Using mice, we investigated two possible treatments for ulcerative colitis: fecal microbiota transplantation, in which a sample of feces is taken from a healthy donor, processed and transferred to someone else; and prebiotics, a nondigestible food ingredient that encourages the growth of good bacteria in the gut. We found that the combination of prebiotics with fecal microbiota transplantation can improve symptoms and change the bacteria in the intestines and improves the uptake of nutrients.