1
|
Kim B, Song A, Son A, Shin Y. Gut microbiota and epigenetic choreography: Implications for human health: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e39051. [PMID: 39029010 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The interwoven relationship between gut microbiota and the epigenetic landscape constitutes a pivotal axis in understanding human health and disease. Governed by a myriad of dietary, genetic, and environmental influences, the gut microbiota orchestrates a sophisticated metabolic interplay, shaping nutrient utilization, immune responses, and defenses against pathogens. Recent strides in genomics and metabolomics have shed light on the intricate connections between these microbial influencers and the host's physiological dynamics, presenting a dynamic panorama across diverse disease spectra. DNA methylation and histone modifications, as key players in epigenetics, intricately align with the dynamic orchestration of the gut microbiota. This seamless collaboration, notably evident in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and obesity, has captured the attention of researchers, prompting an exploration of its nuanced choreography. Nevertheless, challenges abound. Analyzing data is intricate due to the multifaceted nature of the gut microbiota and the limitations of current analytical methods. This underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach, where diverse disciplines converge to pave innovative research pathways. The integration of insights from microbiome and epigenome studies assumes paramount importance in unraveling the complexities of this intricate partnership. Deciphering the synchronized interactions within this collaboration offers a deeper understanding of these delicate interplays, potentially heralding revolutionary strides in treatment modalities and strategies for enhancing public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bailee Kim
- Crescenta Valley High School, La Crescenta, CA
| | - Angel Song
- Harvard-Westlake School, Studio City, CA
| | - Andrew Son
- Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA
| | - Yonghwan Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lakshmanan DK, Ravichandran G, Elangovan A, D AA, Thilagar S. Mechanisms and Intervention of Prebiotic Foods in Musculoskeletal Health. J Nutr 2024:S0022-3166(24)00390-0. [PMID: 39004225 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The review focuses primarily on collating and analyzing the mechanistic research data that discusses the function of prebiotics to halt the frailty of musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are frequently reported to co-occur within their own categories of conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis owing to their overlapping pathogenesis. Consequently, the same drugs are often used to manage the complications of most types. A few recent studies have addressed the therapeutic functions of gut microbes toward those commonly shared MSD pathway targets. Improving microbial diversity and enriching their population in the gut would promote the regeneration and recovery of the musculoskeletal system. Prebiotics are usually nondigestible substrates that are selectively used or digested by the gut microbes conferring health promotion. The microbial fermentation of prebiotics generates numerous host-beneficial therapeutic molecules. This study inspects the presumptive functions of plant-derived prebiotics for the growth and restoration of intestinal microbiota and the consequent improvement of skeletal health. The review also highlights the discrete functions of prebiotics against inflammation, autoimmunity, infection, physiologic overloading mechanism, and aging-associated loss of metabolism in MSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kumar Lakshmanan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu 638402, India; Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India
| | - Guna Ravichandran
- Centre for Biomedical and Molecular Biology Research, Vinayaka Mission's Medical College & Hospital (VMMCH), Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (VMRF), Karaikal, India
| | - Abbirami Elangovan
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India
| | - Arul Ananth D
- Department of Biotechnology, The American College Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivasudha Thilagar
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khokhar M, Dey S, Tomo S, Jaremko M, Emwas AH, Pandey RK. Unveiling Novel Drug Targets and Emerging Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1664-1693. [PMID: 38898941 PMCID: PMC11184612 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic debilitating autoimmune disease, that causes joint damage, deformities, and decreased functionality. In addition, RA can also impact organs like the skin, lungs, eyes, and blood vessels. This autoimmune condition arises when the immune system erroneously targets the joint synovial membrane, resulting in synovitis, pannus formation, and cartilage damage. RA treatment is often holistic, integrating medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Its main objective is to achieve remission or low disease activity by utilizing a "treat-to-target" approach that optimizes drug usage and dose adjustments based on clinical response and disease activity markers. The primary RA treatment uses disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that help to interrupt the inflammatory process. When there is an inadequate response, a combination of biologicals and DMARDs is recommended. Biological therapies target inflammatory pathways and have shown promising results in managing RA symptoms. Close monitoring for adverse effects and disease progression is critical to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. A deeper understanding of the pathways and mechanisms will allow new treatment strategies that minimize adverse effects and maintain quality of life. This review discusses the potential targets that can be used for designing and implementing precision medicine in RA treatment, spotlighting the latest breakthroughs in biologics, JAK inhibitors, IL-6 receptor antagonists, TNF blockers, and disease-modifying noncoding RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Khokhar
- Department
of Biochemistry, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005 Rajasthan, India
| | - Sangita Dey
- CSO
Department, Cellworks Research India Pvt
Ltd, Bengaluru, 560066 Karnataka, India
| | - Sojit Tomo
- Department
of Biochemistry, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005 Rajasthan, India
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health
Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological
and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core
Laboratories, King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajan Kumar Pandey
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shan L, Chelliah R, Rahman SME, Hwan Oh D. Unraveling the gut microbiota's role in Rheumatoid arthritis: dietary pathways to modulation and therapeutic potential. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38832654 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2362412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a significant global health issue. Recent research highlights the gut microbiota's critical role in RA's development, noting how dietary factors can alter these microbial communities. This has led to an increased focus on how the gut microbiota (GM) influences RA and the potential for dietary ingredients to offer anti-RA benefits by modifying GM. This review presents a concise examination of the GM associated with RA, identifying specific microbial taxa at various levels that are implicated in the disease. It delves into dietary components known for their anti-RA properties through GM modulation and their mechanisms. Findings from numerous studies, including both animal and human research, show significant differences in the GM composition between individuals with early and established RA. Certain microbes like Tenericutes, Synergistetes, and Proteobacteria have been linked to RA progression, whereas Bacteroidetes and some strains of Lactobacillus are shown to have protective effects against RA. Dietary elements such as fibers, polysaccharides, resistant starch, and peptides have been identified as influential in combating RA. These components work by altering the GM's metabolites and impacting immune cells related to the GM. This review suggests the potential for developing functional foods aimed at treating RA by targeting GM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- LingYue Shan
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of South Korea
- Future F Biotech Co., Ltd, Chuncheon, Republic of South Korea
| | - Ramachandran Chelliah
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of South Korea
- Future F Biotech Co., Ltd, Chuncheon, Republic of South Korea
| | - Syed Mohammad Ehsanur Rahman
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of South Korea
- Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Deog Hwan Oh
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of South Korea
- Future F Biotech Co., Ltd, Chuncheon, Republic of South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang Y, Hong Q, Zhang X, Liu Z. Rheumatoid arthritis and the intestinal microbiome: probiotics as a potential therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1331486. [PMID: 38510244 PMCID: PMC10950920 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by swollen joints, discomfort, stiffness, osteoporosis, and reduced functionality. Genetics, smoking, dust inhalation, high BMI, and hormonal and gut microbiota dysbiosis are all likely causes of the onset or development of RA, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Compared to healthy controls, patients with RA have a significantly different composition of gut microbiota. It is well known that the human gut microbiota plays a key role in the initiation, maintenance, and operation of the host immune system. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has local or systematic adverse effects on the host immune system, resulting in host susceptibility to various diseases, including RA. Studies on the intestinal microbiota modulation and immunomodulatory properties of probiotics have been reported, in order to identify their potential possibility in prevention and disease activity control of RA. This review summarized current studies on the role and potential mechanisms of gut microbiota in the development and progression of RA, as well as the preventative and therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of probiotics on RA. Additionally, we proposed the challenges and difficulties in the application of probiotics in RA, providing the direction for the research and application of probiotics in the prevention of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenmin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Courel-Ibáñez J, Vetrovsky T, Růžičková N, Marañón C, Durkalec-Michalski K, Tomcik M, Filková M. Integrative non-pharmacological care for individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:413-423. [PMID: 38180500 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
There is increasing knowledge in the recognition of individuals at risk for progression to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before the clinical manifestation of the disease. This prodromal phase preceding the manifestation of RA may represent a "window of opportunity" for preventive interventions that may transform the clinical approach to this disease. However, limited evidence exists in support of effective interventions to delay the onset or even halt the manifestation of RA. Given the multifactorial nature of RA development and disease progression, the latest guidelines for established RA stress the use of integrative interventions and multidisciplinary care strategies, combining pharmacologic treatment with non-pharmacological approaches. Accordingly, individuals at risk of RA could be offered an integrative, multifactorial intervention approach. Current data point toward pharmacological intervention reverting the subclinical inflammation and delay in the disease onset. In addition, targeting life style modifiable factors (smoking cessation, dental health, physical activity, and diet) may presumably improve RA prognosis in individuals at risk, mainly by changes in epigenetics, autoantibodies, cytokines profiles, and microbiome. Nonetheless, the benefits of multidisciplinary interventions to halt the manifestation of RA in at-risk individuals remain unknown. As there is a growing knowledge of possible pharmacological intervention in the preclinical phase, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of non-pharmacological treatments in individuals at risk of RA. Considering the mechanisms preceding the clinical manifestation of RA we explored all aspects that would be worth modifying and that would represent an integrative non-pharmacological care for individuals at risk of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Courel-Ibáñez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, C/Camino de Alfacar, 21, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Tomas Vetrovsky
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nora Růžičková
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Concepción Marañón
- Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Granada, Spain
| | - Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalski
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Sports Dietetics, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal Tomcik
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Filková
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Y, Yang L, Xu G. New-Onset Acute Interstitial Nephritis Post-SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination: A Panoramic Review. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2023; 13:615-636. [PMID: 37870719 PMCID: PMC10686899 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a considerable challenge to global healthcare. Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) post SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination has been reported, but its clinical features and pathogenesis remained unclear. We reviewed so far the largest 22 cases of AIN post SARS-CoV-2 infection and 36 cases of AIN following COVID-19 vaccination. The onset of AIN was mainly related to messenger RNA vaccines (52.8%). Apart from fever, proteinuria (45.5%) was the main manifestation of AIN post SARS-CoV-2 infection, left acute kidney injury (AKI, 63.9%) in patients post COVID-19 vaccination. The potential mechanism of vaccination induced AIN was conjugating vaccines with proteins to form a hapten, which activated dendritic cells and promoted a cascade immunological reaction leading to AIN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Donghu District, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Health Management Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Gaosi Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Donghu District, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lin L, Zhang K, Xiong Q, Zhang J, Cai B, Huang Z, Yang B, Wei B, Chen J, Niu Q. Gut microbiota in pre-clinical rheumatoid arthritis: From pathogenesis to preventing progression. J Autoimmun 2023; 141:103001. [PMID: 36931952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive polyarthritis that leads to cartilage and bone damage. Pre-clinical RA is a prolonged state before clinical arthritis and RA develop, in which autoantibodies (antibodies against citrullinated proteins, rheumatoid factors) can be present due to the breakdown of immunologic self-tolerance. As early treatment initiation before the onset of polyarthritis may achieve sustained remission, optimize clinical outcomes, and even prevent RA progression, the pre-clinical RA stage is showing the prospect to be the window of opportunity for RA treatment. Growing evidence has shown the role of the gut microbiota in inducing systemic inflammation and polyarthritis via multiple mechanisms, which may involve molecular mimicry, impaired intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota-derived metabolites mediated immune regulation, modulation of the gut microbiota's effect on immune cells, intestinal epithelial cells autophagy, and the interaction between the microbiome and human leukocyte antigen alleles as well as microRNAs. Since gut microbiota alterations in pre-clinical RA have been reported, potential therapies for modifying the gut microbiota in pre-clinical RA, including natural products, antibiotic therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, microRNAs therapy, vitamin D supplementation, autophagy inducer-based treatment, prebiotics, and diet, holds great promise for the successful treatment and even prevention of RA via altering ongoing inflammation. In this review, we summarized current studies that include pathogenesis of gut microbiota in RA progression and promising therapeutic strategies to provide novel ideas for the management of pre-clinical RA and possibly preventing arthritis progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Keyi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Infection Control, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junlong Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bei Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuochun Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qian Niu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tsetseri MN, Silman AJ, Keene DJ, Dakin SG. The role of the microbiome in rheumatoid arthritis: a review. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2023; 7:rkad034. [PMID: 38606003 PMCID: PMC11007908 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The close bidirectional relationship between the microbiome and the immune system is well supported, and a role of gut dysbiosis has been implied in many systemic autoimmune diseases. This review aims to provide a critical summary and appraisal of 6 murine studies and 16 clinical studies. The findings of the literature review suggest that gut dysbiosis precedes arthritis and that local intestinal inflammation leads to systemic inflammation in genetically predisposed individuals. However, the exact mechanism by which microorganisms provoke immune responses at distal sites remains to be elucidated. Although a characteristic RA microbiome was not identified, there were some common findings among studies: overabundance of Prevotella copri in early RA patients, and proliferation of the genus Collinsela and some Lactobacillus species. Three mechanisms by which microbiota might contribute to RA pathogenesis were proposed: inflammatory responses (P. copri and Lactobacillus), molecular mimicry (P. copri) and loss of intestinal barrier integrity (Collinsella). Larger longitudinal studies are required in order to shed light on the mechanisms involved and unravel the therapeutic potential of the microbiome, and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the implied therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Nefeli Tsetseri
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alan J Silman
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David J Keene
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Stephanie G Dakin
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Koh JH, Lee EH, Cha KH, Pan CH, Kim D, Kim WU. Factors associated with the composition of the gut microbiome in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis and its value for predicting treatment responses. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:32. [PMID: 36864473 PMCID: PMC9979421 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the gut microbiota of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have been managed with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for a long time. We focused on factors that might affect composition of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we investigated whether gut microbiota composition predicts future clinical responses to conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) in patients with an insufficient response to initial therapy. METHODS We recruited 94 patients with RA and 30 healthy participants. Fecal gut microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA amplificon sequencing; the resulting raw reads were processed based on QIIME2. Calypso online software was used for data visualization and to compare microbial composition between groups. For RA patients with moderate-to-high disease activity, treatment was changed after stool collection, and responses were observed 6 months later. RESULTS The composition of the gut microbiota in patients with established RA was different from that of healthy participants. Young RA patients (< 45 years) had reduced richness, evenness, and distinct gut microbial compositions when compared with older RA patients and healthy individuals. Disease activity and rheumatoid factor levels were not associated with microbiome composition. Overall, biological DMARDs and csDMARDs, except sulfasalazine and TNF inhibitors, respectively, were not associated with the gut microbial composition in patients with established RA. However, the combination of Subdoligranulum and Fusicatenibacter genera was associated with a future good response to second-line csDMARDs in patients who showed an insufficient response to first-line csDMARDs. CONCLUSION Gut microbial composition in patients with established RA is different from that in healthy individuals. Thus, the gut microbiome has the potential to predict responses of some RA patients to csDMARDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hee Koh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.,Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ha Lee
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Hyun Cha
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Ho Pan
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wan-Uk Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea. .,Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dagar S, Singh J, Saini A, Kumar Y, Chhabra S, Minz RW, Rani L. Gut bacteriome, mycobiome and virome alterations in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1044673. [PMID: 36699026 PMCID: PMC9868751 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1044673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic destructive autoimmune disease of the joints which causes significant pain, functional disability, and mortality. Although aberrant immune cell activation induced by the imbalance between T helper Th1/Th17 and Treg cells is implicated in the RA development, its etiopathogenesis remains unclear. The presence of mucosal inflammation and systemic IgA-isotype-autoantibodies (anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor) in pre-clinical RA supports the mucosal origin hypothesis involving altered microbiota in disease development. The gut microbiota comprises diverse bacteria, fungal and viral components, which are critical in developing host immunity. Alterations in microbial abundance are known to exacerbate or attenuate immune responses in the gut microenvironment subsequently affecting the joints. Further, these changes can provide biomarkers for disease activity and outcome in RA. Most of the research till date has been focused on describing gut bacterial components in RA. Studies on gut mycobiome and virome components in RA are relatively new and burgeoning field. Given the paucity of mycobiome or virome specific studies in RA, this review, discusses the recent findings on alterations in gut bacterial, fungal, and viral components as well as their role in regulating the spectrum of immune-pathogenic events occurring in RA which might be explored in future as a potential therapeutic target. Further, we provide an overview on inter-kingdom interactions between bacteria, fungi, and viruses in RA. The current understanding on gut microbiota modulation for managing RA is also summarised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lekha Rani
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zádori ZS, Király K, Al-Khrasani M, Gyires K. Interactions between NSAIDs, opioids and the gut microbiota - Future perspectives in the management of inflammation and pain. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108327. [PMID: 36473615 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The composition of intestinal microbiota is influenced by a number of factors, including medications, which may have a substantial impact on host physiology. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid analgesics are among those widely used medications that have been shown to alter microbiota composition in both animals and humans. Although much effort has been devoted to identify microbiota signatures associated with these medications, much less is known about the underlying mechanisms. Mucosal inflammation, changes in intestinal motility, luminal pH and bile acid metabolism, or direct drug-induced inhibitory effect on bacterial growth are all potential contributors to NSAID- and opioid-induced dysbiosis, however, only a few studies have addressed directly these issues. In addition, there is a notable overlap between the microbiota signatures of these drugs and certain diseases in which they are used, such as spondyloarthritis (SpA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and neuropathic pain associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aims of the present review are threefold. First, we aim to provide a comprehensive up-to-date summary on the bacterial alterations caused by NSAIDs and opioids. Second, we critically review the available data on the possible underlying mechanisms of dysbiosis. Third, we review the current knowledge on gut dysbiosis associated with SpA, RA and neuropathic pain in T2D, and highlight the similarities between them and those caused by NSAIDs and opioids. We posit that drug-induced dysbiosis may contribute to the persistence of these diseases, and may potentially limit the therapeutic effect of these medications by long-term use. In this context, we will review the available literature data on the effect of probiotic supplementation and fecal microbiota transplantation on the therapeutic efficacy of NSAIDs and opioids in these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán S Zádori
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Kornél Király
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mahmoud Al-Khrasani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Klára Gyires
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Emerging role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in autoimmune diseases: Biologic function, mechanisms and clinical prospection. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103155. [PMID: 35902046 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway, as vital component of innate immune system, acts a vital role in distinguishing invasive pathogens and cytosolic DNA. Cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS first binds to cytosolic DNA and catalyze synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP), which is known as the secondmessenger. Next, cGAMP activates the adaptor protein STING, triggering a molecular chain reaction to stimulate cytokines including interferons (IFNs). Recently, many researches have revealed that the regulatory role of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in autoimmune diseases (AIDs) such as Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Aicardi Goutières syndrome (AGS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Moreover, accumulated evidence showed inhibition of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway can remarkably suppress joint swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration in RA mice. Therefore, in this review, we describe the molecular properties, biologic function and mechanisms of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in AIDs. In addition, potential clinical applications especially selective small molecule inhibitors targeting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway are also discussed.
Collapse
|
14
|
Li M, Yang L, Zhao L, Bai F, Liu X. Comparison of Intestinal Microbes in Noninfectious Anterior Scleritis Patients With and Without Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:925929. [PMID: 35756002 PMCID: PMC9218904 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.925929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared intestinal microbes in anterior noninfectious scleritis patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis. Active noninfectious anterior scleritis patients without other immune diseases (G group, 16 patients) or with active rheumatoid arthritis (GY group, seven patients) were included in this study. Eight age- and sex-matched healthy subjects served as controls (N group). DNA was extracted from fecal samples. The V3-V4 16S rDNA region was amplified and sequenced by high-throughput 16S rDNA analysis, and microbial contents were determined. A significant decrease in species richness in the GY group was revealed by α- and β-diversity analyses (p = 0.02 and p = 0.004, respectively). At the genus level, 14 enriched and 10 decreased microbes in the G group and 13 enriched and 18 decreased microbes in the GY group were identified. Among them, four microbes were enriched in both the G and GY groups, including Turicibacter, Romboutsia, Atopobium, and Coprobacillus. Although two microbes (Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group and Eggerthella) exhibited similar tendencies in the G and GY groups, changes in these microbes were more significant in the GY group (p < 0.05). Interaction analysis showed that Intestinibacter, Romboutsia, and Turicibacter, which were enriched in both the G and GY groups, correlated positively with each other. In addition, nine microbes were decreased in the GY group, which demonstrates a potential protective role for these microbes in the pathogenesis of scleritis via interactions with each other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Li
- Ophthalmologic Center of the Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Yang
- Ophthalmologic Center of the Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liangliang Zhao
- Ophthalmologic Center of the Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Feng Bai
- Ophthalmologic Center of the Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Ophthalmologic Center of the Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jiang SQ, Pan T, Yu JL, Zhang Y, Wang T, Li P, Li F. Thermal and wine processing enhanced Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma ameliorate collagen Ⅱ induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 288:114993. [PMID: 35032583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.114993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma, a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, is derived from Clematis chinensis Osbeck, Clematis hexapetala Pall. and Clematis manshurica Rupr. This herb shows great effects on expelling wind and dispelling dampness in ancient and it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in modern clinical application. AIM OF THE STUDY This experiment aimed to research anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect of crude and wine processed RC based on glycolysis metabolism to provide new ideas treating RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology was applied to preliminarily forecast the potential pathways of common targets of RC and RA. RAW264.7 macrophages were induced by LPS, NO production, glucose uptake, lactate production, ROS and MMP were detected as instructions in vitro. ELISA was used to measure the content of HK2, PKM2 and LDHA involving in glycolysis process. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in CIA rats. RESULTS Crude and wine processed RC had good anti-inflammatory effect by reducing NO in RAW264.7 macrophages and ameliorating inflammatory infiltration and cartilage surface erosion in CIA rats. Whether in LPS-induced macrophages or CIA rats, crude and wine processed RC could inhibit glycolysis by down-regulating the expression of PKM2, causing less glucose uptake and lactic acid, which lead to less ROS and higher MMP to normal. PI3K-AKT and HIF-1α pathways were deduced to possibly play a crucial part in controlling glycolysis metabolism by network pharmacology analysis. Besides, it was displayed that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were prominent gut microbiota in CIA rats feces. CC-H and PZ-H groups could both increase the relative abundance of Firmicutes and decrease Bacteroidetes. These microbiota also played a role in RA pathological process via involving in energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and immune system. CONCLUSION Crude and wine processed RC have a good influence in ameliorating rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting glycolysis and modulating gut microbiota together.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Ting Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jia-Lin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Resource, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650000, PR China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Asoudeh F, Djafarian K, Akhalghi M, Mahmoudi M, Jamshidi AR, Farhadi E, Esmaillzadeh A. The effect of probiotic cheese consumption on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers, disease severity, and symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:180. [PMID: 35209942 PMCID: PMC8876752 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent decades, several studies have shown changes in the intestinal microflora among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therapeutic measures using probiotics have shown favorable effects on the recovery of these patients. However, most studies have used probiotic supplements. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of probiotic cheese consumption on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, disease severity, and symptoms in these patients. Methods This study is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, in which forty patients with mild to moderate severity of RA will be randomly allocated to receive either 30 g/day probiotic cheese (n = 20) or only low-salt and low-fat cheese without any added probiotic (n = 20) for 12 weeks. Assessment of anthropometric measures and biochemical indicators, including serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), will be done at the study baseline and end of the trial. In addition, disease severity and disability will be assessed by DAS-28 and the HAQ-DI questionnaire, respectively. Discussion Diet is the leading environmental factor affecting the gut microbiota. A prebiotic-rich diet and probiotics might be beneficial in this regard. To the best of our knowledge, the effect of probiotic supplements on inflammation in these patients has widely been assessed; however, there is only one study that examined the effect of probiotic-containing food in these patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of probiotic-containing foods on inflammatory markers and symptoms in patients with RA. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20201120049449N1. Registered on 14 February 2021
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Asoudeh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kurosh Djafarian
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maassoumeh Akhalghi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Jamshidi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Farhadi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Esmaillzadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 14155-6117, Tehran, Iran. .,Obesity and Eating Habits Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li N, Li X, Su R, Wu R, Niu HQ, Luo J, Gao C, Li X, Wang C. Low-Dose Interleukin-2 Altered Gut Microbiota and Ameliorated Collagen-Induced Arthritis. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:1365-1379. [PMID: 35241924 PMCID: PMC8887675 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s344393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Low-dose interleukin-2 (ld-IL-2) has been shown to regulate the balance between effector T and regulatory T (Treg) cells and has been used in several clinical trials to treat autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we investigated the effects of ld-IL-2 on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods Arthritis severity in CIA mice was measured using the arthritis index (AI), radiographs, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Cytokines were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gut microbiota alterations and short-chain fatty acid production were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography. Results The AI scores of CIA mice treated with ld-IL-2 were significantly lower compared to the model group, which significantly reduced the severity of arthritis. Ld-IL-2 also altered the gut microbiota in CIA mice. The diversity, composition, and dominant species of gut microbiota were altered by ld-IL-2 treatment. Ld-IL-2 also increased short-chain fatty acid levels. There was a strong correlation between ld-IL-2 treatment and improved gut microbiota. Conclusion Ld-IL-2 significantly ameliorated joint inflammation and bone damage and improved gut microbial dysbiosis in CIA, indicating that it may be a promising therapy for RA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuefei Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruihe Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Qing Niu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chong Gao
- Pathology, Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Caihong Wang, Tel +8613603515399, Fax +863513365551, Email
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yang M, Luo P, Zhang F, Xu K, Feng R, Xu P. Large-scale correlation analysis of deep venous thrombosis and gut microbiota. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1025918. [PMID: 36419497 PMCID: PMC9677955 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1025918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Although previous studies have shown that gut microbiota may be involved in the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), the specific link between the two remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore this question from a genetic perspective. Materials and methods Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of DVT were obtained from the UK Biobank (N = 9,059). GWAS summary data of the gut microbiota were obtained from the Flemish Gut Flora Project (N = 2,223) and two German cohorts (FoCus, N = 950; PopGen, N = 717). All the participants were of European ancestry. Linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression has great potential for analyzing the heritability of disease or character traits. LDSC regression was used to analyze the genetic correlation between DVT and the gut microbiota based on the GWAS summary data obtained from previous studies. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to analyze the genetic causal relationship between DVT and the gut microbiota. We used the random effects inverse variance weighted, MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode to perform MR analysis. We performed a sensitivity analysis of the MR analysis results by examining heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Results Linkage disequilibrium score analysis showed that Streptococcaceae (correlation coefficient = -0.542, SE = 0.237, P = 0.022), Dialister (correlation coefficient = -0.623, SE = 0.316, P = 0.049), Streptococcus (correlation coefficient = -0.576, SE = 0.264, P = 0.029), and Lactobacillales (correlation coefficient = -0.484, SE = 0.237, P = 0.042) had suggestive genetic correlation with DVT. In addition, the MR analysis showed that Streptococcaceae had a positive genetic causal relationship with DVT (P = 0.027, OR = 1.005). There was no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy in the MR analysis (P > 0.05). Conclusion In this study, four gut microbes (Streptococcaceae, Dialister Streptococcus, Lactobacillales) had suggestive genetic correlations with DVT, and Streptococcaceae had a positive causal relationship with DVT. Our findings provide a new research direction for the further study of and prevention of DVT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyi Yang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pan Luo
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruoyang Feng
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Verhoeven J, Keller D, Verbruggen S, Abboud KY, Venema K. A blend of 3 mushrooms dose-dependently increases butyrate production by the gut microbiota. Benef Microbes 2021; 12:601-612. [PMID: 34590532 DOI: 10.3920/bm2021.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiota has been indicated to play a crucial role in health and disease. Apart from changes in composition between healthy individuals and those with a disease or disorder, it has become clear that also microbial activity is important for health. For instance, butyrate has been proven to be beneficial for health, because, amongst others, it is a substrate for the colonocytes, and modulates the host's immune system and metabolism. Here, we studied the effect of a blend of three mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum GL AM P-38, Grifola frondosa GF AM P36 and Pleurotus ostreatus PO AM-GP37)) on gut microbiota composition and activity in a validated, dynamic, computer-controlled in vitro model of the colon (TIM-2). Predigested mushroom blend at three doses (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/day of ingested mushroom blend) was fed to a pooled microbiota of healthy adults for 72 h, and samples were taken every day for microbiota composition (sequencing of amplicons of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene) and activity (short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production). The butyrate producing genera Lachnospiraceae UCG-004, Lachnoclostridium, Ruminococcaceae UCG-002 and Ruminococcaceae NK4A214-group are all dose-dependently increased when the mushroom blend was fed. Entirely in line with the increase of these butyrate-producers, the cumulative amount of butyrate also dose-dependently increased, to roughly twice the amount compared to the control (medium without mushroom blend) on the high-dose mushroom blend. Butyrate proportionally made up 53.1% of the total SCFA upon feeding the high-dose mushroom blend, compared to 27% on the control medium. In conclusion, the (polysaccharides in the) mushroom blend led to substantial increase in butyrate by the gut microbiota. These results warrant future mechanistic research on the mushroom blend, as butyrate is considered to be one of the microbial metabolites that contributes to health, by increasing barrier function and modulating inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Verhoeven
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation (HEFI), Maastricht University - campus Venlo, Villafloraweg 1, 5928 SZ Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - D Keller
- Keller Consulting Group, 2417 Beachwood Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122, USA
| | - S Verbruggen
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation (HEFI), Maastricht University - campus Venlo, Villafloraweg 1, 5928 SZ Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - K Youssef Abboud
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation (HEFI), Maastricht University - campus Venlo, Villafloraweg 1, 5928 SZ Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - K Venema
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation (HEFI), Maastricht University - campus Venlo, Villafloraweg 1, 5928 SZ Venlo, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ferro M, Charneca S, Dourado E, Guerreiro CS, Fonseca JE. Probiotic Supplementation for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Promising Adjuvant Therapy in the Gut Microbiome Era. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:711788. [PMID: 34366867 PMCID: PMC8346200 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.711788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that ultimately leads to joint destruction and functional disability. Although the exact etiology of RA is not fully understood, it is well established that gut microbiota (GM) plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of RA, with accumulating evidence suggesting that gut dysbiosis induces a chronic inflammatory response that may be linked to disease development. Of interest, patients with RA have significant changes in the intestinal microbiota compared to healthy controls, and several studies have suggested the use of probiotics as a possible adjuvant therapy for RA. Benefits of probiotic supplementation were reported in animal models of arthritis and human studies, but the current evidence regarding the effect of probiotic supplementation in the management of RA remains insufficient to make definite recommendations. Several different strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, as single species or in mixed culture, have been investigated, and some have demonstrated beneficial effects on disease activity in RA human subjects. As of now, L.casei probiotic bacteria seems to be the strongest candidate for application as adjuvant therapy for RA patients. In this review, we highlight the role of GM in the development and progression of RA and summarize the current knowledge on the use of probiotics as a potential adjuvant therapy for RA. We also review the proposed mechanisms whereby probiotics regulate inflammation. Finally, the role of fermented foods is discussed as a possible alternative to probiotic supplements since they have also been reported to have health benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ferro
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Charneca
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Dourado
- Serviço de Reumatologia e Doenças Ósseas Metabólicas, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa (CAML), Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Reumatologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, CAML, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Sousa Guerreiro
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Serviço de Reumatologia e Doenças Ósseas Metabólicas, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa (CAML), Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Reumatologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, CAML, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Novella-Navarro M, Plasencia-Rodríguez C, Nuño L, Balsa A. Risk Factors for Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients With Undifferentiated Arthritis and Inflammatory Arthralgia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:668898. [PMID: 34211986 PMCID: PMC8239127 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.668898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is an increasing interest in treating patients at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to prevent the development of this chronic disease. In this sense, research has focused attention on the early identification of predictive factors of this disease. Autoantibodies and markers of systemic inflammation can be present before clinical arthritis and RA development. So, the phase of inflammatory arthralgia preceding clinical arthritis is an important part of the window of opportunity and, starting treatment might prevent progression to chronic arthritis. Additionally, the early diagnosis and treatment initiation, in patients with inflammatory arthritis at risk of persistence and/or erosive progression, are fundamental because may allow optimal clinical responses, better chances of achieving sustained remission, preventing irreversible organ damage and optimizing long-term outcomes. This review aims to give an overview of clinical risk factors for developing RA, both in suspected arthralgia and in undifferentiated arthritis. Besides taking into consideration the role of serological markers (immunological and acute phase reactants) and clinical features assessed at consultation such as: articular affection and patient's clinical perception. Other features as sociodemographic and environmental factors (lifestyle habits, microbiota, periodontal disease among others), have been included in this revision to give an insight on strategies to prevent development of RA and/or to treat it in early stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Nuño
- Rheumatology Department Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Balsa
- Rheumatology Department Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baker KF, Sim JPX, Isaacs JD. Biomarkers of tolerance in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: a new era in clinical management? THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2021; 3:e371-e382. [PMID: 38279392 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(21)00069-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Modern therapeutic agents and treatment regimens have made sustained remission an attainable target for many patients across a spectrum of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, albeit at the risk of adverse events and the expense of drug prescription and safety monitoring. Clinicians and patients are thus increasingly faced with a novel treatment dilemma: whether and how best to stop immunomodulatory treatment in patients who achieve remission. In this final paper in a Series on therapeutic tolerance induction, we summarise our current knowledge of biomarkers of immune homeostasis in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and their application to the prediction and attainment of sustained drug-free remission. We summarise evidence from prospective studies of immunomodulatory drug cessation across a range of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. We also consider current evidence for clinical, serological, proteomic, metabolomic, cellular, and microbiomic biomarkers of immune homeostasis. Finally, we discuss the steps necessary for clinical translation of these biomarkers, as well as the potential transformative effect of these biomarkers on management of patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases if clinical translation is successfully achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth F Baker
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jasmine P X Sim
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John D Isaacs
- Musculoskeletal Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bangarusamy DK, Lakshmanan AP, Al-Zaidan S, Alabduljabbar S, Terranegra A. Nutri-epigenetics: the effect of maternal diet and early nutrition on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2021; 73:98-110. [PMID: 33880901 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.20.06166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases comprise a wide group of diseases involving a self-response of the immune system against the host. The etiopathogenesis is very complex involving disease-specific factors but also environmental factors, among which the diet. Maternal diet during pregnancy as well as early nutrition recently attracted the interest of the scientists as contributing to the immune programming. In this paper, we reviewed the most recent literature on the effect of maternal diet and early nutrition in modulating the immune system in a selected subset of autoimmune diseases: type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Particularly, we focused our narrative on the role of maternal and perinatal nutrition in the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the auto-immune response. Maternal diet during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding and early nutrition play a big role in many epigenetic mechanisms. Most of the nutrients consumed by the mother and the infant are known exerting epigenetic functions, such as folate, methionine, zinc, vitamins B12 and D, fibers, casein and gliadin, and they were linked to gene expression changes in the immune pathways. Despite the common role of maternal diet, breastfeeding and early nutrition in almost all the autoimmune diseases, each disease seems to have specific diet-driver epigenetic mechanisms that require further investigations. The research in this field is opening new routes to establishing a precision nutrition approach to the auto-immune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhinoth K Bangarusamy
- Unit of Maternal and Child Health, Department of Research, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Arun P Lakshmanan
- Unit of Maternal and Child Health, Department of Research, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Al-Zaidan
- Unit of Maternal and Child Health, Department of Research, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaikha Alabduljabbar
- Unit of Maternal and Child Health, Department of Research, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Annalisa Terranegra
- Unit of Maternal and Child Health, Department of Research, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar -
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Le Poole IC. Myron Gordon Award paper: Microbes, T-cell diversity and pigmentation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:244-255. [PMID: 33438345 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melanocytes are static, minimally proliferative cells. This leaves them vulnerable in vitiligo. Yet upon malignant transformation, they form vicious tumors. This profound switch in physiology is accompanied by genetic change and is driven by environmental factors. If UV exposure in younger years supports malignant transformation and melanoma formation, it can likewise impart mutations on melanocytes that reduce their viability, to initiate vitiligo. A wide variety of microbes can influence these diametrically opposed outcomes before either disease takes hold. These microbes are vehicles of change that we are only beginning to study. Once a genetic modification occurs, there is a wide variety of immune cells ready to respond. Though it does not act alone, the T cell is among the most decisive responders in this process. The same biochemical process that offered the skin protection by producing melanin can become an Achilles heel for the cell when the T cells target melanosomal enzymes or, on occasion, neoantigens. T cells are precise, determined, and consequential when they strike. Here, we probe the relationship between the microbiome and its metabolites, epithelial integrity, and the activation of T cells that target benign and malignant melanocytes in vitiligo and melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Caroline Le Poole
- Department of Dermatology, Microbiology and Immunology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The association of transforming growth factor beta 1 gene polymorphisms with arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med 2021; 21:331-340. [PMID: 33417083 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-020-00678-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the association between transformation growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) gene polymorphisms and different types of arthritis. PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Biosis and four Chinese databases: China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and CQVIP, were searched. Studies that analyzed the association of the TGF-β1 polymorphisms with different types of arthritis were included. OR, 95% confidence interval and P value were calculated in three models including allele, dominant and recessive models, using D + L method. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. TGF-β1 869T > C polymorphism was significantly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in allele and recessive models, but not in dominant model (allele model T vs. C: OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.13-1.49, P < 0.001; recessive model CC vs. TT + TC: OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.43-0.76, P < 0.001; dominant model TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.99-1.45, P = 0.063). Additionally, allele and recessive models showed that TGF-β1 -509C > T was significantly correlated with RA susceptibility, while dominant model revealed nonsignificant correlation (allele model: C vs. T: OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.00-2.28; P = 0.049; recessive model: TT vs. CC + TC: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.37-0.72, P = 0.000; dominant model: CC vs. TT + TC: OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 0.79-2.76; P = 0.223). However, no significant association was found between TGF-β1 polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or osteoarthritis (OA) risk. This study demonstrated that 869T > C, -509 C > T polymorphisms of TGF-β1 gene were associated with increased susceptibility of RA, while polymorphisms of TGF-β1 gene were not associated with OA and AS. These findings suggest that studying TGF-β1 genotype may be useful in the prevention and management of RA. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the association of TGF-β1 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility of OA and AS.
Collapse
|
26
|
Levels of Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies and Rheumatoid Factor, Including IgA Isotypes, and Articular Manifestations in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218054. [PMID: 33139618 PMCID: PMC7663588 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Systemic presence of arthritis autoantibodies (AAb) is specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AAb initiation might be triggered by chronic mucosal inflammation, such as in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We assessed the prevalence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, with regard to the prevalence of joint complaints in AAb+ versus AAb− IBD patients. RA patients and healthy subjects (HC) served as controls. Serum was collected from 226 UC, 165 CD and 86 RA patients, and 36 HCs. One-hundred-and-ten UC (48.7%) and 76 CD (46.1%) patients were seropositive for at least one autoantibody, compared to 4 (13.9%) HCs and 81 (94.2%) RA patients. Eighty-three (37%) UC and 52 (32%) CD patients were seropositive for the anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibody (anti-CCP2) of the immunoglobulin A type (IgA anti-CCP2), compared to 1 (2.8%) HC and 64 (74%) RA patients. RF of the immunoglobulin G type (IgG RF) and IgA RF seropositivity in UC and CD patients was comparable to HCs and low compared to RA patients. Arthralgia was reported by 34 (18.7%) UC and 50 (33.1%) CD patients, but presence of arthralgia was not increased in AAb+ patients. AAbs are frequently present in IBD patients, supporting the hypothesis that inflammation of intestinal mucosa induces low systemic levels of ACPA.
Collapse
|
27
|
Di Ciaula A, Stella A, Bonfrate L, Wang DQH, Portincasa P. Gut Microbiota between Environment and Genetic Background in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1041. [PMID: 32899315 PMCID: PMC7563178 DOI: 10.3390/genes11091041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract hosts the natural reservoir of microbiota since birth. The microbiota includes various bacteria that establish a progressively mutual relationship with the host. Of note, the composition of gut microbiota is rather individual-specific and, normally, depends on both the host genotype and environmental factors. The study of the bacterial profile in the gut demonstrates that dominant and minor phyla are present in the gastrointestinal tract with bacterial density gradually increasing in oro-aboral direction. The cross-talk between bacteria and host within the gut strongly contributes to the host metabolism, to structural and protective functions. Dysbiosis can develop following aging, diseases, inflammatory status, and antibiotic therapy. Growing evidences show a possible link between the microbiota and Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), through a shift of the relative abundance in microbial species. To which extent such perturbations of the microbiota are relevant in driving the phenotypic manifestations of FMF with respect to genetic background, remains to be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “Augusto Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari BA, Italy; (A.D.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Alessandro Stella
- Section of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari BA, Italy;
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica “Augusto Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari BA, Italy; (A.D.C.); (L.B.)
| | - David Q. H. Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “Augusto Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari BA, Italy; (A.D.C.); (L.B.)
| |
Collapse
|