Gut microbiota changes in animal models of spinal cord injury: a preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis

Annals of Medicine, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2023.2269379 · Published: October 6, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Gastroenterology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the link between spinal cord injury (SCI) and changes in the gut microbiota in animal models. Researchers are interested in how SCI affects the balance and variety of bacteria in the gut, aiming to pinpoint specific bacteria that are impacted by SCI. The research team analyzed data from 15 studies, looking at indicators that describe the distribution of gut microbiota and the relative abundance of different types of intestinal flora. The goal was to compare these factors in animals with SCI versus those without. The meta-analysis revealed that SCI leads to a significant decrease in the evenness and richness of the intestinal flora. Specific bacteria, such as Actinobacteria, Erysipelotrichales and Clostridiales orders, showed significant differences between the SCI and control groups.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models (rats, mice, pigs)

Evidence Level

Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Spinal cord injury significantly decreased the richness and evenness of intestinal flora in experimental animals.
2
Actinobacteria phylum abundance was significantly different between the SCI and control groups.
3
Erysipelotrichales and Clostridiales may be the characteristic flora of gut microbiota changes during spinal cord injury.

Research Summary

This meta-analysis investigates the association between SCI and intestinal flora in animal models, exploring characteristic changes in gut microbiota. The study found that SCI in animal models leads to changes in gut microbiota richness and evenness, with potentially pathogenic characteristic flora identified. The conclusion suggests a need for more rigorous methodological studies due to high heterogeneity and limited sample size, and highlights the potential for clinical application of intestinal microbiota research, possibly guiding fecal microbiota transplantation therapy.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Target

The identification of specific gut bacteria affected by SCI could lead to targeted therapies, such as probiotics or prebiotics, to restore gut health and potentially improve SCI outcomes.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)

The study suggests that FMT may be a potential treatment for SCI by modulating the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation. Further research is needed to explore the efficacy and safety of FMT in SCI patients.

Personalized Treatment Strategies

Understanding the specific gut microbiota changes associated with SCI could allow for personalized treatment strategies based on an individual's unique gut microbiome profile.

Study Limitations

1
The animal models included in this study were not identical, including animal type, sex, weight, and age.
2
The sampling time was not completely consistent
3
The small number of studies, the insufficient sample size of each study, and the high heterogeneity of some included studies resulted in limited statistical power.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury