The role of microbiota on rheumatoid arthritis onset

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain, which can lead to the loss of normal joint function. Although the exact cause of the disease is not yet fully understood, both environmental factors and genetics may play a role in its development. Moreover, research suggests microbiota contributes to the onset and progression of RA. People with RA show higher quantities of bacteria such asPorphyromonas gingivalis,Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,Prevotella copri,Proteus mirabilis, andLactobacillus salivarius compared to healthy individuals. Conversely, studies propose thatLactobacillus casei, a probiotic bacterium with immunomodulatory properties, has beneficial effects for RA in murine and human models. Therefore, this work reviews the potential role of the gut microbiota in the development of RA and explores the feasibility of using probiotic bacteria as a supplementary treatment for this disease.
Source: International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases - Category: Rheumatology Authors: Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research