2023-10-11 11:15:36
Although bacteria in the gut are helpful in digesting food and fighting infections, researchers have long suspected that they play a key role in triggering rheumatoid arthritis.
In a study whose results were published in the journal Science Advances, Mayo Clinic researchers discovered a link between the abundance of certain bacteria in the intestines and the triggering of an immune response against the tissues of a person carrying those bacteria. They also found that this occurs even before clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis appear.
The gut microbiome is key to understanding health problems
“As we age, our gut bacteria and their byproducts change, affecting our immune system,” says Dr. Veena Taneja, study author, senior researcher and immunologist at the Mayo Clinic. She added: “There is a known link between imbalances in gut bacteria, aging, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is difficult to prove this relationship in humans.”
This research highlights the complex relationship between gut microbes and rheumatoid arthritis. Taneja explains that it is difficult to determine whether intestinal microorganisms are the cause of disease in patients; Because the autoimmune response precedes the appearance of clinical symptoms in patients, for a period ranging between one and 10 years.
The researcher adds: “The intestinal microbiome may hold the key to understanding healthy aging, how to avoid chronic diseases, and may lead to early diagnosis and treatment.”
Intestinal bacteria cause arthritis
Using a preclinical model—in vitro experiments rather than in patients—the researchers reported that gut bacteria (Eggerthella lenta) trigger an autoimmune response before clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis appear. In this response, the immune system produces autoantibodies that mistakenly target and attack the body’s tissues and cells, instead of attacking foreign bacteria or viruses that invade the body.
This same microbe also reduces amino acids, such as arginine, citrulline, and tryptophan metabolites, to levels more similar to those found in older people, who consequently suffer from a gradual deterioration in their immune systems due to aging.
In addition to their findings, the researchers noted a link between this bacteria (Eggerthella lenta) and higher levels of these autoantibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This highlights the importance of taking into account sex-specific factors in the disease.
Metabolic products of intestinal bacteria are a marker of disease severity
According to the English Wikipedia, these bacteria are a type of Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, which are part of the human microbiome. It has been found in the human digestive system, the female reproductive system, and the prostate in males. They can sometimes cause disease by spreading to other areas, causing bloodstream infections, liver abscesses, bacterial vaginosis, and meningitis.
A biomarker of a risk factor
Rheumatoid arthritis has a genetic predisposition; Therefore, many of those at risk may not know whether they are at risk of developing acute rheumatoid arthritis, and thus this biomarker may help in diagnosing acute rheumatoid arthritis and evaluating its development.
The research suggests that doctors could use measurements of metabolic byproducts from gut bacteria as a marker of disease severity.
In familial cases, and for people who have genes susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis, researchers say: “Genetic sequencing of bacteria, and the study of autoantibodies and metabolites (metabolites) – especially in healthy females – may help predict their likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis.” .
Future trends
Regarding future directions, the researchers plan to work on how doctors use Eggerthella lenta bacteria in their diagnostics, especially in women, and will study whether targeting it using antibiotics or specific genes and metabolites can influence preclinical autoimmunity in arthritis. Rheumatoid. They are also exploring the effects of these bacteria on aging.
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