Bacteria in the intestines linked to lupus nephritis flare-ups

A new U.S. study suggests that a large presence of Ruminococcus gnavus in the intestines could contribute to lupus nephritis flare-ups. Lupus nephritis is kidney damage caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a potentially serious complication of autoimmune disease that occurs in approximately 40% of affected patients. A team of researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York investigated the role of gut microbiota in lupus nephritis flare-ups. Published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the study analyzed 44 fecal samples from 16 women with SLE over a period of 24 to 291 weeks. The results were compared with 72 samples from 22 healthy female volunteers who did not have lupus. Read: Pregnancy outcomes generally favourable for women with Sjögren’s syndrome Compared to the control group, participants with lupus were more likely to experience an overgrowth of Ruminococcus gnavus, especially during disease flares. This proliferation was detected in 40% of participants with lupus nephritis. Researchers have also identified a common characteristic of Ruminococcus gnavus that helps bacteria adapt and multiply during outbreaks. This is the presence of a new type of lipoglycan on the cell membranes of bacteria. However, these lipoglycans trigger a strong immune response in the form of specific serum IgG antibodies that are consistent with disease flare-ups. Towards new treatments? The researchers also believe that an antibody biomarker test for the new lipoglycan associated with the bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus could help in earlier diagnosis of lupus nephritis. They conclude by indicating that the therapeutic targeting of Ruminococcus gnavus could even one day replace immunosuppressive treatments during flare-ups of lupus nephritis. The researchers acknowledge that further studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between lupus and the gut microbiome. However, they believe that these results will help identify biomarkers and guide future studies. Read: SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce recurrent gout flares in type 2 diabetes patients

Bacteria in the intestines linked to lupus nephritis flare-ups

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