Rheumatoid Arthritis Could Be Linked To Intestinal Bacteria

 Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of harmful inflammation that damages joint. Current treatment is limited to pain management and attempts to reduce inflammation with immune system suppressants.

Researchers are looking for clues into what causes rheumatoid arthritis so new and better treatments can be developed. Recently, a study found that many patients newly diagnosed with the condition test positive for a certain intestinal bacteria, called Prevotella copri, or P. copri for short.

Usually, P. copri is thought to be a beneficial bacteria; it helps the body control levels of harmful bacteria and ferment carbohydrates that have been undigested, providing the body with energy. But too much of a good thing is a bad thing. An overabundance of the bacteria may spark the immune system's attack mechanisms.

Researchers took fecal samples from 44 newly diagnosed rheumatic patients, 26 chronic rheumatic patients who were receiving treatment, 16 with psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis and 28 non-rheumatic individuals. Prevotella copri was found in 75% of patients who were recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, compared to 21.4% of healthy individuals, 37.5% with psoriatic arthritis and 11.5% of those with chronic arthritis.

It is significant that the lowest presence of P. copri was found in individuals who have been treated for rheumatoid arthritis for some time. This could indicate that at least one way in which immunosuppressant medications are effective is by lowering levels of P. copri in the intestines.

To learn more about this study, see http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131105132031.htm.

This study is only preliminary; more research will need to be done to confirm its results. If these results are found to be consistent across larger samples, it will then be necessary to study different treatment modalities. Another important branch of research would be into how much P. copri is too much, and what dietary and/or genetic factors cause it to overgrow in some individuals.

While immune system suppressants are largely effective in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and the prevention of deformities, they come with risks. Because they suppress the immune system, these medications leave people more susceptible to infection. They also come with risks of liver and kidney problems, vision problems, bone marrow damage, cancer, gastrointestinal issues and more. Different medications have different risks; doctors work with patients to figure out which medication is most likely to be effective in their specific cases and which will pose each individual the least risk.

If P. copri is a primary culprit in some cases of rheumatoid arthritis, then a gentler and more targeted treatment method can be pursued. The study provides patients with the hope of better rheumatoid arthritis treatment options in the near future.