Intestinal microbiome–rheumatoid arthritis crosstalk: The therapeutic role of probiotics

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic autoimmune disease with a global health importance. It is characterized by long-term complications, progressive disability and high mortality tied to increased social-economic pressures. RA has an inflammatory microenvironment as one of the major underlying factors together with other complex processes. Although mechanisms underlying the triggering of RA remain partially elusive, microbiota interactions have been implicated. Again, significant alterations in the gut microbiome of RA patients compared to healthy individuals have intimated a chronic inflammatory response due to gut dysbiosis. Against this backdrop, myriads of studies have hinted at the prospective therapeutic role of probiotics as an adjuvant for the management of RA in the quest to correct this dysbiosis. In this article, the major gut microbiome alterations associated with RA are discussed. Subsequently, the role of the gut microbiome dysbiosis in the initiation and progression of RA is highlighted. Lastly, the effect and mechanism of action of probiotics in the amelioration of symptoms and severity of RA are also espoused. Although strain-specific, probiotic supplementation as adjuvant therapy for the management of RA is very promising and warrants more research.

Exploring the significance of microbiota metabolites in rheumatoid arthritis: uncovering their contribution from disease development to biomarker potential

“…Alterations in the gut microbiota can potentially exacerbate an inherent tendency of intestinal epithelia to increase permeability [121]. These modifications create opportunities for bacteria and their byproducts to breach into subepithelial and lamina propria areas.…”

Relationship between gut microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis: A bibliometric analysis

“…At present, the mechanisms of GM participating in RA pathogenesis mainly include regulating the differentiation of immune cells, inducing the production of inflammatory mediators, and molecular simulation. Disturbed GM can trigger the innate and adaptive immunity abnormally, which may lead to aberrant systemic immunity (55)(56)(57). The mucosal immunity is the first line of defense against exogenous pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract (58,59).…”

Role of Gut Microbiota in the Development and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review

“…A variety of living bacteria are referred to as probiotics when they are given to the host in reasonable doses to offer essential health advantages. Probiotics have also been discussed as a budding adjunct for treating rheumatoid arthritis in countless investigations [ 40 ]. It is believed that foreign bacteria temporarily alter the gut microbiota, transforming it in ways that can treat and even prevent diseases like rheumatoid arthritis linked to dysbiosis.…”