Changes in Gut Microbiome Could Indicate Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis

New Delhi: Researchers have discovered that alterations in the gut microbiome may signal the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, offering potential opportunities for targeted treatments. A team from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust observed that certain inflammatory gut bacteria appeared in elevated levels approximately 10 months before clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis emerged.

The study suggests that recognizing such changes could help identify individuals at risk and support the development of preventive and personalized treatment approaches. The research team monitored 124 individuals considered at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis over a 15-month period. This cohort included seven newly diagnosed patients and 22 healthy individuals as a control group. To track microbial changes, the researchers collected stool and blood samples at five different intervals.

Key findings pointed to the presence of precursor anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) antibodies—markers that target healthy cells and are specific to rheumatoid arthritis—and joint pain within the preceding three months as significant risk factors. Of the 124 at-risk participants, 30 progressed to develop rheumatoid arthritis during the study. These individuals exhibited reduced microbial diversity compared to the healthy control group.

The researchers found that established genetic, blood, and imaging risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis were also associated with diminished microbial diversity. Additionally, the use of steroids correlated with lower microbial diversity.

A particularly noteworthy discovery was the presence of a specific strain of Prevotellaceae sp (ASV2058), most likely identified as Prevotella copri, which was abundant in individuals who progressed to rheumatoid arthritis and in those newly diagnosed. Another strain of P. copri (ASV1867) was observed in higher amounts at the study’s start, suggesting that these bacterial strains could be involved in the progression of the disease.

“Individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis have a distinctive gut microbial composition, marked by an overabundance of Prevotellaceae species. This microbial signature aligns with traditional risk factors,” noted the research, which was published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Although these findings indicate that changes in the gut microbiome occur in the later stages of disease development, the study is observational and emphasizes the need for further research to confirm the results and explore the mechanisms involved.

The implications of this study are significant, as they may provide a basis for identifying people at higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis and for developing preventive measures and tailored treatment protocols. The research underscores the importance of gut health in autoimmune conditions and adds to the growing body of evidence that the microbiome plays a critical role in the development and progression of diseases.

In conclusion, while the study offers promising insights into the relationship between gut microbiome changes and rheumatoid arthritis, it remains observational in nature. The researchers call for additional studies to further investigate the role of gut bacteria in disease progression and to confirm the potential for early detection and personalized therapeutic strategies.