Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Its Potential Role in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: How It Might Work, Current Evidence, and Future Possibilities
may influence ADHD symptoms through microbiota-gut-brain pathways, but clinical translation remains preliminary.
Evidence
This review summarizes preclinical models and early human data on FMT in ADHD, including neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter, vagus nerve, HPA axis, and epigenetic mechanisms.
Caveat
The evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity, small samples, and incomplete mechanistic validation.
Simplified
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While pharmacological and behavioral therapies remain first-line treatments, their limitations in efficacy, tolerability, and long-term adherence underscore the need for innovative interventions. Growing evidence highlights the role of the (MGBA) in ADHD pathophysiology, particularly involving immune dysregulation, neurotransmitter imbalance, metabolic disruption, and epigenetic alterations. (FMT), as a microbiota-based intervention, has shown promise in restoring MGBA homeostasis and modulating neural function through multiple mechanisms. This review summarizes current preclinical and clinical research on FMT in ADHD, covering its effects on neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter pathways, vagus nerve and HPA axis signaling, and epigenetic reprogramming. Although preclinical models and early human data indicate potential behavioral benefits and mechanistic plausibility, methodological heterogeneity, limited sample sizes, and incomplete mechanistic validation pose significant challenges. Future research should prioritize protocol standardization, randomized controlled trials, biomarker discovery, and ethical regulation to facilitate the safe and effective clinical translation of FMT in ADHD treatment.
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