Assessment of gut microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract

Background: Pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an undetermined complex mechanism which include interaction between genetic, environmental and immunological factors. Recent studies suggest a possible role for gut microbiome in the pathogenesis. Objectives: To assess the alteration of fecal Bacteroids, Lactobacilli, and Prevotella genera among RA patients. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 25 patients newly diagnosed as RA (RA group) and 25 healthy controls (control group) for quantitation of Bacteroids, Lactobacilli, and Prevotella genera by real time PCR. Results: The intestinal microbiome of RA group was significantly altered. We reported a significant enrichment of the bacterial Lactobacilli genus in RA patients (16.206% vs 1.5%; P<0.001). Bacteroids and Prevotella genera showed lower percentages in RA patients compared to the controls (1.113% vs 2.7 %; 3.157% vs 17% respectively, P= 0.018, P<0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Predominance of Lactobacilli genus with the lower levels of Bacteroids and Prevotella, in recently diagnosed RA patients, could indicate the role of gut dysbiosis in the pathoghysiology of RA.

Effect of garlic extract on weight loss and gut microbiota composition in obese women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

“…To determine the abundance of bacterial genera including Prevotella , Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium , Akkermansia , Bacteroides , Faecalibacterium , Escherichia and, specific primers were targeted the bacterial 16s rRNA genes ( 24 – 30 ). The sequence of specific primers used in the current study are presented in Table 1 .…”

The role of microbiota on rheumatoid arthritis onset

“…These suppress the immune system and modulate the aberrant immune response in RA 4,5 . Although the exact cause of RA is unknown, its development likely involves complex interactions between the immune system, genetics, and environmental and hormonal risk factors 2,6,7 . Likewise, bacterial and viral infections may also trigger RA onset since studies linked the development of arthritis with the presence or absence of specific bacterial genera in the gut microbiota via activating antigen‐presenting cells by influencing Toll‐like receptors (TLR) and Nod‐like receptors (NLR), inducing antigenic mimicry, affecting intestinal permeability, modulating the host's immune system through T cell differentiation, and increasing inflammation related to T helper 17 (Th17) 8–10 …”

“…4,5 Although the exact cause of RA is unknown, its development likely involves complex interactions between the immune system, genetics, and environmental and hormonal risk factors. 2,6,7 Likewise, bacterial and viral infections may also trigger RA onset since studies linked the development of arthritis with the presence or absence of specific bacterial genera in the gut microbiota via activating antigen-presenting cells by influencing Toll-like receptors (TLR) and Nod-like receptors (NLR), inducing antigenic mimicry, affecting intestinal permeability, modulating the host's immune system through T cell differentiation, and increasing inflammation related to T helper 17 (Th17). [8][9][10] Moreover, the gut microbiome is involved in RA progression since inflamed joints show bacterial cell walls and nucleic acid components, indicating that antigenic material from gut bacteria may enter the bloodstream and ultimately cause RA in genetically predisposed individuals.…”

“…[8][9][10] Moreover, the gut microbiome is involved in RA progression since inflamed joints show bacterial cell walls and nucleic acid components, indicating that antigenic material from gut bacteria may enter the bloodstream and ultimately cause RA in genetically predisposed individuals. 6,11 Accordingly, an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota can be a contributing factor in the onset or progression of RA. Therefore, studying this relationship can lead to a better understanding of the disease's root cause and explore potential treatments.…”