Psoriatic arthritis linked to the microbiome: a potential new insight
The intricate world of the microbiome, a community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa living within us, is gaining significant attention in the field of health and medicine, particularly in relation to Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Current research indicates a **significant role of the microbiome in the development and treatment of PsA**.
Patients with psoriasis, a key condition related to PsA, often exhibit **reduced microbial diversity in their gut microbiota**. This **dysbiosis** involves decreases in bacterial taxa with anti-inflammatory properties and increases in those promoting inflammation. This imbalance can exacerbate immune activation and systemic inflammation crucial in PsA development.
There is growing evidence for a **gut–skin axis**, where gut dysbiosis influences skin inflammation through systemic immune responses. This axis extends to joint inflammation, suggesting microbiome changes could contribute directly to arthritis symptoms. In fact, studies have noted similar microbial alterations in inflammatory arthritis, including PsA, affecting metabolic and immune pathways.
Though more established in related autoimmune arthritis forms like rheumatoid arthritis, where *Prevotella copri* is linked to disease onset, similar microbial alterations with enrichment of pro-inflammatory bacteria and depletion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing commensals have been noted in inflammatory arthritis including PsA.
Microbial metabolites modulate immune responses and barrier integrity. Altered metabolites from dysbiotic microbiomes may disrupt the epidermal barrier and influence immune signaling relevant to psoriasis and PsA development.
Understanding the microbiome's role opens potential for **microbiome-targeted therapies** as adjuncts in PsA treatment. These could include prebiotics, probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and lifestyle changes. Current clinical guidelines recognise the importance of new modes of action in treatment, likely considering these underlying microbiome-immune interactions.
In summary, ongoing research increasingly supports that gut and skin microbiome dysbiosis contribute to the **immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation underlying Psoriatic Arthritis**, representing a promising frontier for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. However, it is important to remember that a person should always consult their doctor before making major changes to their diet or exercise plan. Additionally, if symptoms of PsA are worsening, a person should see their doctor to adjust their treatment plan.
[1] Microbiome Dysbiosis in Psoriasis and PsA: Implications for Immune Dysregulation and Chronic Inflammation. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2018. [2] The Gut Microbiome and Psoriatic Disease. Nature Reviews Rheumatology. 2019. [3] The Role of the Microbiome in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology. 2017. [4] European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2019.
- The microbiome, a community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, plays a significant role in the development and treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), a chronic disease.
- Patients with psoriasis, a skin condition related to PsA, often exhibit reduced microbial diversity in their gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis.
- This dysbiosis involves decreases in bacterial taxa with anti-inflammatory properties and increases in those promoting inflammation, exacerbating immune activation and systemic inflammation crucial in PsA development.
- There is growing evidence for a gut–skin axis, where gut dysbiosis influences skin inflammation through systemic immune responses, which extends to joint inflammation, contributing directly to arthritis symptoms.
- Microbial metabolites modulate immune responses and barrier integrity. Altered metabolites from dysbiotic microbiomes may disrupt the epidermal barrier and influence immune signaling relevant to psoriasis and PsA development.
- Understanding the microbiome's role opens potential for microbiome-targeted therapies as adjuncts in PsA treatment, including prebiotics, probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and lifestyle changes.
- Current clinical guidelines recognize the importance of new modes of action in treatment, likely considering these underlying microbiome-immune interactions.
- Research indicates a significant role of the microbiome in the development and treatment of PsA, including chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, cardiovascular health, neurological disorders, and mental health.
- Skin care and nutrition are also important aspects of health and wellness, and maintaining a balanced microbiome could potentially improve these areas.
- It is important to remember that a person should always consult their doctor before making major changes to their diet or exercise plan, and if symptoms of PsA are worsening, a person should see their doctor to adjust their treatment plan.
