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Review
. 2023 Nov 26;15(11):e49458.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.49458. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Role of Gut Microbiota in the Development and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review

Yuti Godha  1 , Sunil Kumar  1 , Anil Wanjari  1
Affiliations
Review

Role of Gut Microbiota in the Development and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review

Yuti Godha et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that damages and inflames the joints. It causes severe disability and lowers the quality of life. While the precise cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown, mounting evidence suggests that the gut microbiota, a diverse colony of bacteria that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, may play a vital role in the progression and management of this debilitating condition. By evaluating relationships, probable processes, and therapeutic ramifications, this narrative review intends to examine the complex relationship between intestinal microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, for the management of rheumatoid arthritis, the review will assess prospective therapeutic approaches that target the gut flora. Multiple studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis have dysbiosis or an imbalance in their gut microbial ecosystems. Increased intestinal permeability has been linked to changes in the gut microbiota, which allows the transfer of bacterial products into the bloodstream. A search was undertaken through PubMed in June 2023 using keywords like "microbiota", "rheumatoid arthritis" and "treatment". Overall 42 articles were included. Probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary changes are some examples of therapies that can be used to modify the gut microbiota and lessen symptoms, slower the progression of the disease, and enhance therapy results. Understanding the interplay between intestinal microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis will pave the way for innovative and personalized therapeutic interventions that could revolutionize the management of this chronic autoimmune disease.

Keywords: development; intestinal dysbiosis; microbiota; rheumatoid arthritis; treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram
Figure 2
Figure 2. Arthritis susceptibility and the gut microbiome
Dysbiosis of bacterial lineages and changes in metabolism of the gut microbiome may drive inflammatory responses that contribute to rheumatoid arthritis [5]. RA, rheumatoid arthritis; HLA, human leukocyte antigen; NFkB, nuclear factor kappa B; TH17, T helper 17 Image credits: Author's own
Figure 3
Figure 3. Probiotic and prebiotic concepts: changes to the gut microbiota caused by live bacterial supplements
Image credits: Author's own
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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