P1313 Gut microbiota therapy improves outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Qi G 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a long-term condition characterized by inflammation of the gut. Research has shown that disruption of the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, plays an important role in the disease. While current treatments focus on controlling inflammation, many patients continue to experience symptoms or side effects. This study explores the effectiveness of a new therapy aimed at restoring the balance of gut microbes and improving disease outcomes.

Methods
This study included 120 adults with IBD, randomly divided into two groups: one received standard care, and the other received a combination of prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary adjustments targeting gut bacteria. The trial lasted 12 weeks, with assessments at the start, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Prognosis was assessed through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (including esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and colonoscopy to evaluate disease extent, detect complications, and monitor gastrointestinal changes. Postoperative complications, clinical symptoms, and routine lab tests (CRP and IL-6) were used to assess outcomes. Statistical tests compared clinical and endoscopic results between the groups.

Results
Patients who received the microbiota-targeted therapy showed significant improvement compared to the standard care group. Disease scores decreased notably (Harvey-Bradshaw Index reduced by 3.9 points and Mayo Score by 3.2 points, both p &lt; 0.01). Blood markers of inflammation also dropped, with CRP levels falling by 42% and IL-6 by 38% (both p &lt; 0.05).Additionally, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (including esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and colonoscopy were used to assess the condition of the gastrointestinal tract and evaluate disease improvement. Postoperative complications, changes in clinical symptoms, and routine test results also helped in determining the treatment outcome. The therapy was well tolerated by patients, with no major side effects reported.

Conclusion
This study highlights the promising potential of gut microbiota therapy as a safe and effective approach for improving symptoms and reducing inflammation in IBD. By restoring balance to the gut microbiota, this therapy targets a critical factor in the disease process. The positive outcomes observed in this trial pave the way for future research into the integration of microbiota-based treatments as part of comprehensive IBD management strategies. Continued investigation in larger, long-term studies will be crucial to further validate these findings and explore the potential of microbiota-targeted therapies for achieving sustained remission and improving overall patient outcomes.

References
[1]Franzosa EA, Sirota-Madi A, Avila-Pacheco J, et al. Gut microbiome structure and metabolic activity in inflammatory bowel disease. Nat Microbiol. 2019;4(2):293-305.
[2]Sokol H, Pigneur B, Watterlot L, et al. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is an anti-inflammatory commensal bacterium identified by gut microbiota analysis of Crohn’s disease patients. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008;105(43):16731-16736.
[3]Paramsothy S, Kamm MA, Kaakoush NO, et al. Multidonor intensive faecal microbiota transplantation for active ulcerative colitis: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2017;389(10075):1218-1228.
[4]Kelly CR, Ihunnah C, Fischer M, et al. Fecal microbiota transplant for treatment of Clostridium difficile infection in immunocompromised patients. Am J Gastroenterol. 2014;109(7):1065-1071.