A recent study from the University of Colorado and other institutions has discovered that a unique bacteria found in the gut may be responsible for triggering rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals already at risk for the autoimmune disease.
The research was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
The scientists took antibodies created by immune cells from people whose blood markers indicated they were at risk for RA.
These antibodies were mixed with the feces of the at-risk individuals to identify the bacteria that were targeted by the antibodies.
To further test their hypothesis, the researchers used animal models to host the newly discovered bacteria.
They found that the bacteria not only caused the animal models to develop the blood markers found in individuals at risk for RA, but some models also showed the development of full-blown RA.
The researchers confirmed that the T cells in the blood of people with RA respond to these bacteria, while individuals without RA do not respond to these bacteria.
This led the team to infer that the bacterium seems to trigger immune responses specific to RA both in animal models and in humans.
Implications and Future Directions
The findings suggest that if this unique species of bacteria is driving the immune response leading to RA in at-risk individuals, it might be possible to prevent that response by targeting the bacteria with medication.
The research took five years to conduct and analyze and was supported by individuals who discovered they were at risk for RA and volunteered to assist the research effort.
The researchers plan to investigate exactly how the bacteria triggers the immune response, and various methods of preventing this reaction from occurring.
Additional Information
For more information about wellness and bone health, the researchers suggest looking into studies on vitamin K deficiency and its link to hip fractures in older individuals, the potential of certain vitamins in reducing bone fracture risk, the possible benefits of krill oil in improving muscle health in older people, and the potential role of Jarlsberg cheese in preventing bone-thinning disease.
If you care about arthritis, please read studies about extra virgin olive oil for arthritis, and pomegranate: A natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
For more information about arthritis, please see recent studies about how to live pain-free with arthritis, and results showing medical cannabis may help reduce arthritis pain, back pain.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
