How gut bacteria from women with eating disorders affect digestion and behavior
Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation From Patients With Eating Disorders on Body Weight Development in Mice
This project will test whether gut bacteria taken from women with anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating cause changes in digestion and eating-related behavior when transplanted into mice, compared with bacteria from healthy women.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Rouen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rouen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07196189 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will collect stool samples from women aged 18–50 who present with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder at Rouen University Hospital, and from matched healthy female volunteers. Fecal microbiota from these donors will be transferred into mice to see whether recipient animals develop changes in intestinal physiology, digestion, or behaviors related to eating. Results from mice receiving microbiota from patients will be compared with those receiving microbiota from healthy donors to test for a causal role of dysbiosis. The work aims to clarify microbiota-driven mechanisms that could underlie or perpetuate eating disorder symptoms and related digestive problems.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18 to 50 who are presenting for a first consultation for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder at Rouen University Hospital and who screen positive on the SCOFF questionnaire are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Participants should not expect direct clinical benefit from participation because the protocol involves donating stool for mouse experiments rather than receiving a therapeutic intervention, and people with recent antibiotics, IBD, or prior gut surgery are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new microbiome-based strategies to improve digestive symptoms and complement treatments for eating disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse transfer experiments have linked gut microbiota to weight and behavior changes and suggest a plausible role in eating-related behaviors, but human therapeutic evidence remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients with ED * Women. * Aged 18 to 50. * First consultation in the Nutrition Department of Rouen University Hospital for ED. * Positive SCOFF with diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. * Affiliation with a social security plan. * Patient who has read and understood the information letter and does not object to participating in the study. Healthy Volunteers * Women. * Aged 18 to 50. * Body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m². * SCOFF test: no positive response. * No history of ED or active ED (DSM V criteria negative). * Affiliation with a social security plan. * Individual who has read and understood the information letter and does not object to participating in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with ED * Men. * Aged under 18 and over 50. * Negative SCOFF. * Patients who have received antibiotic treatment in the last 3 months. * Patients with a history of IBD or surgical procedures on the digestive tract. * Patient refuses to participate in the study. * Persons deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative order. * Pregnant or breastfeeding women. * Protected persons (guardianship or curatorship). Healthy volunteers * Men. * Aged under 18 and over 50. * SCOFF test with at least one positive response. * History or active ED (DSM V criteria). * Persons who have received antibiotic treatment in the last 3 months. * Person with a history of IBD or surgical procedures on the digestive tract. * Body mass index less than 18.5 or greater than 24.9 kg/m2. * Pregnant or breastfeeding women. * Protected persons (guardianship or curatorship).
Where this trial is running
Rouen
- University Rouen Hospital — Rouen, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pierre PD DECHELOTTE, Professor
- Email: Pierre.Dechelotte@chu-rouen.fr
- Phone: 02 32 88 64 65
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.