Ulcerative colitis (UC) causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon lining, leading to painful flares. Of all IBD conditions, UC has seen some of the most exciting microbiome trial results — with FMT achieving remission in multiple studies.
UC is closely linked to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a loss of commensal species that regulate immune tolerance in the colon. Short-chain fatty acids like butyrate — produced by healthy gut bacteria — are depleted in UC, leaving the colon lining vulnerable and inflamed. Microbiome therapies aim to directly address this deficit.