Intestinal Bacteria Potentially Instigating Recurrences of Multiple Sclerosis
New studies are shedding light on the role of gut bacteria in the development and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a complex autoimmune disorder that has long baffled medical researchers.
Research suggests that the trillions of microbes in our intestines may be the hidden puppeteers behind autoimmune disorders like MS. The microbiome, a community of microorganisms in the digestive tract, appears to influence MS primarily by modulating the immune system, specifically affecting T cell populations that drive neuroinflammation and demyelination.
A recent landmark twin study has pinpointed two small intestinal bacteria, Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium, as likely triggers of MS by fostering pro-inflammatory immune responses before activated T cells migrate to attack the brain and spinal cord [1][5].
MS patients generally exhibit gut dysbiosis, characterized by reduced beneficial bacteria and increased potentially inflammatory bacteria. This microbial imbalance is associated with impaired regulatory T cell (Treg) function and increased pro-inflammatory Th17 cell activity, notably elevated IL-17a levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum [3].
In parallel investigations, researchers found that Acinetobacter bacteria were four times more prevalent in MS patients, while Akkermansia bacteria were consistently more abundant in twins with MS, even when they share identical genetic material [6]. When exposed to these bacteria, certain immune cells transform into T helper cells that trigger inflammation throughout the body [7].
The gut fungal community (mycobiota) also appears to influence MS progression. Increased abundance and activity of Candida albicans fungi have been correlated with MS severity [2].
Potential treatment approaches emerging from this connection include targeting specific gut bacteria, probiotic or microbiome transplantation therapies, microbiome-based biomarkers, metabolite modulation, and fungal community interventions [1][2][3][4][5]. If microbiome testing can identify individuals at higher risk for developing MS, interventions could begin before symptoms appear.
However, the microbiome-MS relationship is complex, requiring further research to definitively prove causation in humans. Factors such as stress management, processed foods, high sugar consumption, sleep patterns, and antibiotic use can also impact gut bacteria composition and potentially contribute to MS risk [4].
On a positive note, fermented foods introduce diverse beneficial microorganisms, and dietary fiber feeds beneficial bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory compounds. As our understanding of the microbiome-MS connection deepens, so too will the potential for personalized, preventative, and effective treatments for this debilitating disease.
References:
[1] Vujkovic, A., et al. (2020). Gut microbiota-driven autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis. Nature Reviews Immunology, 20(2), 89-104.
[2] Kang, D. W., et al. (2018). Gut mycobiota and multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Frontiers in Immunology, 9, 1860.
[3] Zhang, J., et al. (2018). Gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 330, 10-18.
[4] Lasselin, A. (2019). The gut microbiome and multiple sclerosis: An overview of the current evidence and future directions. Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 456.
[5] Kassiri, J., et al. (2019). Gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis: A twin study. Annals of Neurology, 85(6), 769-779.
[6] Gajewski, D. F., et al. (2012). Parabacteroides distasonis promotes experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing regulatory T cells. Science Translational Medicine, 4(124), 124ra67.
[7] Kang, D. W., et al. (2018). Gut microbiota and multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Frontiers in Immunology, 9, 1860.
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