Therapeutic Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Oxidative Stress Reduction and Gut Microbiota Modulation in Response to Electric Foot Shock Stress

Background: The present study investigates the impact of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on oxidative stress and gut microbiota composition in a mouse model subjected to electric foot shock stress. Methods: A mouse model was utilized to examine the effects of FMT on oxidative stress and gut microbiota. Mice were exposed to foot shock stress for 10 days, followed by either FMT or a sham treatment. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was employed to assess the overall antioxidant capacity in blood serum. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using spread culture, PurPlate, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the stressed group (control) was significantly lower than in the intact group (P < 0.0001). In the FMT-treated group (Tf), the TAC was significantly increased compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). The number of Escherichia coli bacteria increased significantly in the stressed group compared to the intact group (P < 0.0001). However, the numbers of E. coli, Enterococcus, and Shigella bacteria in the FMT-treated group were significantly decreased compared to the stressed group (P < 0.01) Conclusions: The FMT is a potential intervention to alleviate the negative effects of psychological stress on antioxidant capacity. Psychological stress affects gut microbiota composition, potentially altering oxidative stress levels. The FMT may restore and balance these levels.