Looking for new onesTreatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritisResearchers have found that inflammation in the intestines is a possible risk factor. In addition, damage to the intestinal mucosa plays an important role in the development of such diseases. In the preclinical study, the authors used mouse and patient samples. The results show that restoring the intestinal barrier could offer a new therapeutic approach to alleviating the symptoms of the disease.
How inflammation in the intestines could cause joint diseases
New research in this area examines how the bacteria in the gut may be involved in the development of arthritis. The scientists suspect that the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the intestinal flora could play a role in triggering rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the study authors wanted to know what happens in the intestine and whether the intestinal mucosa changes as a result. This normally acts as a barrier to protect the body from microbes. Analysis of the biomarkers showed that levels of inflammation in the gut were elevated even in the earliest stages of arthritis compared to healthy people. Unexpectedly, there were also clear signs of inflammation, as can be observed in inflammatory bowel disease. The team also showed that the intestinal lining became leaky, potentially allowing the passage of bacteria and thus inflammation in the joints.
In general, the new study results suggest that the inflamed intestinal lining could be a therapeutic target in joint diseases. Importantly, the use of existing medications that prevent the gut from becoming leaky reduces the severity of arthritis in preclinical models. Current treatments for rheumatoid arthritis do not appear to resolve inflammation in the gut. They can therefore make the patient vulnerable to reactivation of the disease due to persistent problems in this area. According to the authorsthis studyMaintaining intestinal health through pharmacological measures may therefore be a valuable new treatment strategy.
