Arthritis and microflora
New data on the relationship of gut microbiota with rheumatoid arthritis
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
Scientists have found out that a common type of intestinal bacteria is able to influence the development of the disease. These are new arguments in favor of the fact that a lot of diseases unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract can develop in the intestine.
An imbalance of the gut microbiota, as well as patterns of individual bacteria, are associated with the development of many diseases from Parkinson's disease and diabetes to multiple sclerosis and stroke. Now scientists from the USA present new data on the connection of the gut microbiota with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the joints.
In recent years, scientists have received information that a strain of the intestinal bacterium Prevotella copri can provoke rheumatoid arthritis. Prevotella copri is not considered a harmful bacterium, on the contrary, it is associated with a diet high in fiber and low in fat intake. These and other reasons make us study Prevotella copri especially closely.
In a new study reported by the press release Does an elevated immune response to a gut bacterial protein contribute to rheumatoid arthritis?, scientists analyzed the levels of antibodies produced to target a protein that is expressed by Prevotella copri. Blood parameters were studied both in patients in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis and in people at risk.
Against the background of the disease, the level of antibodies was indeed increased, the scientists found. Upon further observation, a similar trend was observed in people with a predisposition to the disease, although their indicators were slightly lower.
While this only indicates a correlation, further research is needed to finally establish a cause-and-effect relationship. If it is confirmed, the development of targeted therapy aimed at Prevotella copri can provide effective prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis at an early stage, the authors conclude.
Article by Seifert et al. Association of antibodies to Preventella copri in anti-CCP-positive individuals at-risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis and in those with early or established rheumatoid arthritis published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology – VM.
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