E-Thesis 87 views 308 downloads
Faecal microbiota transplantation in the management of obesity and type two diabetes mellitus / ANDREW CUNNINGHAM
Swansea University Author: ANDREW CUNNINGHAM
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.68845
Abstract
Obesity and type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent complex metabolic disorders that continue to evolve into major global public health challenges, which impose a substantial burden on health infrastructure and resources. Contributing to the pathophysiology of these conditions is the gut microbi...
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Swansea, Wales, UK
2024
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Stephens, Jeffrey W. ; Harris, Dean A. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68845 |
| Abstract: |
Obesity and type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent complex metabolic disorders that continue to evolve into major global public health challenges, which impose a substantial burden on health infrastructure and resources. Contributing to the pathophysiology of these conditions is the gut microbiome, a vast community of trillions of bacteria coexisting within the human bowel which play a pivotal role in human metabolism. While a substantial body of literature has offered evidence supporting the involvement of the gut microbiota in metabolic diseases, the field remains in its early stages of development. The basic understanding of gut microbiota pathophysiology has sparked considerable interest in utilising microbiota for clinical applications. One rapidly emerging clinical modality is faecal microbiota transplant (FMT), designed to target and modify the intestinal microbiota which has demonstrated high effectiveness in the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Although a small number of studies exploring FMT's potential to improve metabolic parameters have shown some early promise, it is important to note that this research is currently in the hypothesis-generating phase. This thesis delves into the development of, and analyses the results of a randomised feasibility study aimed at investigating FMT as a potential management strategy for individuals with T2DM and concurrent adiposity. The research encompasses a comprehensive examination of the microbiota profile of study participants revealing taxonomic differences, reduced alpha diversity metrics, and statistical associations with clinical biomarkers both before and after intervention. Additionally, it also includes an assessment of the clinical efficacy of FMT concerning biomarkers related to adiposity and glucose-insulin homeostasis, and explores the impact on participants' quality of life utilising a generic health status measurement tool. Lastly, it details an account of the successful establishment of a non-related frozen faecal donor programme. |
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| Keywords: |
faecal microbiota transplant, diabetes mellitus, obesity, microbiome |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |