Fecal microbiota transplantation cured epilepsy in a case with Crohn's disease: The first report

Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)is a promising strategy that involves reconstruction of gut microbiota.Recently,it has been considered as a treatment of Crohn’s disease(CD)and certain neurological diseases.Here,to the best of our knowledge,we report the first case that used FMT to achieve remission of intestinal and neurological symptoms in a girl with CD and a 17-year history of epilepsy.During the 20 mo of follow-up,FMT has proved its efficacy in preventing relapse of seizures after withdrawing the antiepileptic drugs.Furthermore,this finding highlights the role of microbiota-gut-brain axis and inspires a novel treatment for epilepsy through remodeling gut microbiota.

Influence of gut microbiota on neuropsychiatric disorders

The last decade has witnessed a growing appreciation of the fundamental role played by an early assembly of a diverse and balanced gut microbiota and its subsequent maintenance for future health of the host. Gut microbiota is currently viewed as a key regulator of a fluent bidirectional dialogue between the gut and the brain(gut-brain axis). A number of preclinical studies have suggested that the microbiota and its genome(microbiome) may play a key role in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, alterations in the gut microbiota composition in humans have also been linked to a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including depression, autism and Parkinson's disease. However, it is not yet clear whether these changes in the microbiome are causally related to such diseases or are secondary effects thereof. In this respect, recent studies in animals have indicated that gut microbiota transplantation can transfer a behavioral phenotype, suggesting that the gut microbiota may be a modifiable factor modulating the development or pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric conditions. Further studies are warranted to establish whether or not the findings of preclinical animal experiments can be generalized to humans. Moreover, although different communication routes between the microbiota and brain have been identified, further studies must elucidate all the underlying mechanisms involved. Such research is expected to contribute to the design of strategies to modulate the gut microbiota and its functions with a view to improving mental health, and thus provide opportunities to improve the management of psychiatric diseases. Here, we review the evidence supporting a role of the gut microbiota in neuropsychiatric disorders and the state of the art regarding the mechanisms underlying its contribution to mental illness and health. We also consider the stages of life where the gut microbiota is more susceptible to the effects of environmental stressors, and the possible microbiota-targeted intervention strategies that could improve health status and prevent psychiatric disorders in the near future.

Relationship between use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and irritable bowel syndrome: A populationbased cohort study

AIM To investigate the relationship between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI)use and the subsequent development of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS This retrospective,observational,population-based cohort study collected data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database.A total of 19653patients newly using SSRIs and 78612 patients not using SSRIs,matched by age and sex at a ratio of 1:4, were enrolled in the study from January 1,2000 to December 31,2010.The patients were followed until IBS diagnosis,withdrawal from the National Health Insurance system,or the end of 2011.We analyzed the effects of SSRIs on the risk of subsequent IBS using Cox proportional hazards regression models.RESULTS A total of 236 patients in the SSRI cohort(incidence,2.17/1000 person-years)and 478 patients in the comparison cohort(incidence,1.04/1000 person-years)received a new diagnosis of IBS.The mean follow-up period from SSRI exposure to IBS diagnosis was 2.05years.The incidence of IBS increased with advancing age.Patients with anxiety disorders had a significantly increased adjusted hazard ratio(a HR)of IBS(a HR=1.33,95%CI:1.11-1.59,P=0.002).After adjusting for sex,age,urbanization,family income,area of residence,occupation,the use of anti-psychotics and other comorbidities,the overall a HR in the SSRI cohort compared with that in the comparison cohort was1.74(95%CI:1.44-2.10;P<0.001).The cumulative incidence of IBS was higher in the SSRI cohort than in the non-SSRI cohort(log-rank test,P<0.001).CONCLUSION SSRI users show an increased risk of subsequent diagnosis of IBS in Taiwan.