The Potential Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Literature Review

Background and Aims: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifaceted disease that can cause symptoms in multiple body systems, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a proposed treatment to address dysregulation in the microbiome, with neurologic and GI symptoms as theoretic effects. The complex relationship between gut dysbiosis and PD symptoms suggests that FMT may have a role in therapy. Methods: A total of 124 articles with information pertaining to PD and FMT were reviewed. PD adult patients with neuromotor or GI symptoms who received FMT with moderate levels of evidence were examined. Data using self-reporting symptom scales were compared at baseline and following FMT. Results: An overall improvement was seen in patients’ neuromotor or GI symptoms, when compared to the baseline after FMT. After FMT, the patients reported improved constipation and decreased time to stool. Overall satisfaction differed between groups receiving differing routes of FMT administration and the severity of their baseline symptoms. Conclusions: FMT shows promising utility for PD patients with neuromotor and/or GI symptoms. Our results are limited by need to evaluate routes of administration, the chronicity of inflammation, and acidity’s role in colonization and efficacy. FMT has been illustrated as a well-tolerated non-pharmacologic treatment method for PD with refractory symptoms.