NEW DELHI New Delhi: Researchers have identified the changes in the gut microbiome makeup that lead to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, opening a window of opportunity for targeted therapies. The researchers found that patients had higher amounts of bacteria associated with inflammation in the gut about 10 months before they developed clinical rheumatoid arthritis. The team said the findings could help identify people at risk and May also pave the way for preventive and personalized treatment strategies.

To better understand, researchers followed 124 people at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis for 15 months. Of these, 7 were recently diagnosed and 22 were healthy. Changes in the gut microbiome profile were assessed using stool and blood samples at 5 different time points. The presence of precursor anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) antibodies – which attack healthy cells and cause rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis – and joint pain in the past 3 months – were identified as major risk factors.

During the study period, 30 of 124 people in the at-risk group progressed to rheumatoid arthritis. Compared with a healthy comparison group, their microbial diversity was also reduced. The genetic, blood and imaging risk factors identified for developing arthritis were also significantly associated with reduced microbial diversity, as was steroid use. People who was known to progress to rheumatoid arthritis, and in those who were recently diagnosed, a specific strain of Prevotellaceae sp. – (ASV 2058) most likely Prevotella copri – Found in abundance.

Another strain of P. copri (ASV1867) was also grown at the beginning of the study, indicating that gut bacteria may play a role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, the researchers said. ,[रूमेटाइड गठिया] Individuals at risk for AD have a specific gut microbial composition, including, but not limited to, a predominance of Prevotellaceae species. This microbial signature is consistent and correlates with traditional risk factors,” said the research published online in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Although the findings suggest that changes in the gut microbiome are a late-stage event, this is an observational study. More studies are needed.