Fecal microbiota transplantation reveals the impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis on osteoporosis development in ovariectomized mice.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density and deteriorated bone microarchitecture. The gut microbiota has emerged as a potential regulator of bone metabolism through the gut-bone axis. This study investigates the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in osteoporosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was employed to assess the transferability of osteoporosis-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis to healthy mice and to explore whether restoration of gut microbial composition could reverse bone loss in OVX mice. It was demonstrated that gut microbiota from OVX mice induced osteoporosis in healthy recipient mice, establishing a causal link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and bone health. Short-term FMT from healthy donors restored microbial diversity; however, a significant improvement in trabecular bone density was not observed in OVX mice. This suggest that longer colonization periods or additional interventions may be required. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between specific bacterial taxa and bone health parameters. These findings highlight the complexity of the gut-bone axis and underscore the need for further research investigating targeted microbial interventions for the management of osteoporosis. Future therapeutic strategies should be considered for modulation of the gut microbiota, enhancement of gut barrier integrity, and mitigation of systemic inflammation as novel approaches to osteoporosis treatment.