Interplay between creeping fat and gut microbiota: A brand-new perspective on fecal microbiota transplantation in Crohn's disease

Core Tip

Core Tip: Some studies have indicated that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is a significant characteristic in the development of Crohn's disease (CD). However, the functional role of translocated microbiota in the mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) of CD patients remains ambiguous. Evidence has shown that the translocation of viable microbiota into human MAT can polarize macrophages, leading to adipogenesis within the MAT and contributing to the formation of creeping fat (CrF) in individuals with CD. Nonetheless, it remains an important inquiry to elucidate the role of MAT-associated microbiota in the pathogenesis of CD. This manuscript aims to discuss the article by Wu et al, which explores the potential therapeutic value of fecal microbiota transplantation in the management of CD. Study by Wu et al suggested that the interactions among gut microbiota, MAT hypertrophy, and intestinal fibrosis may mutually reinforce one another in the pathogenesis of CD. Consequently, targeting MAT and CrF may hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from CD.