Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is studied for different disorders. Recognized as therapeutic treatment for recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection, new axis for FMT are now being considered. One of them is alcoholism.
A clinical trial to link microbiota and alcoholism
Researchers from University of Commonwealth (United States) conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial to highlight the potentially link between the intestinal microbiota and addiction. This is the first time in humans.
The hypothesis is: alcoholism is an addictive disease. It can be due to a genetic predisposition but can also have its origin in the intestinal microbiota. Modulating its composition could impact addictions.
A reduced alcohol consumption
In this clinical trial, 20 men aged between 60 to 70 with chronic alcoholism were recruited.
They were randomized:
- Either in the group receiving a FMT (enriched in Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae) ;
- Or in the group receiving a placebo enema.
The selection of bacteria in TMF is not trivial. Indeed, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae are two types of intestinal bacterial found in small amounts in patients with alcoholism.
15 days after the FMT, the results are promising. 90% of patients belonging to the FMT group reduced their desire to consume alcohol. In comparison, only 30% of volunteers in the placebo group achieved these results. Moreover, metabolites in urine related to alcohol decreased, meaning a decrease in alcohol consumption.
Changing the composition of intestinal microorganisms in subjects with alcoholism had positive effects. These first encouraging results represent a first step in the role of the intestinal microbiota in addiction.
LC
