Gut microbiome changes may signal onset of rheumatoid arthritis [Video]

Researchers have identified changes in the gut microbiome makeup that lead to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, providing a window of opportunity for targeted treatments.

Researchers from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust found that bacteria linked to inflammation in the gut in higher amounts about 10 months before patients develop clinical rheumatoid arthritis.

The findings may help identify people at risk and also pave the way for preventive and personalised treatment strategies, said the team.

To better understand, the researchers followed 124 people at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis for 15 months. Of these 7 were newly diagnosed and 22 were healthy. The changes in the gut microbiome profiles 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 are specific for rheumatoid arthritis — and joint pains in the preceding 3 months were identified …