Microbiome and Autoimmunity

     It has been long argued in some corners of the scientific world that imbalance of bacteria in the gut is a major contributor to autoimmune disease. The studies summarized below lend support to this contention. Some disease causing bacteria subvert the immune system by turning it against one's own tissues. Thus preoccupied, the immune system gives disease causing bacteria breathing space.

     Autoimmunity can be triggered by what scientist call molecular mimicry. Bacteria can present molecules like one's own joints, muscle, or skin to the immune system triggering activity of the immune system against one's own tissues. Autoimmunity has begun. Elimination or reduction in the numbers of the bacteria creating the problem will often result in improvement. The most effective means of accomplishing this is with prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria like fiber and aloe) and probiotics (actual beneficial bacteria).

     Following are studies which suggest that bacteria in the gut can impact autoimmune disease:

     Patients with multiple sclerosis were found to have a significantly different collection of microbes in the gut compared to a control group without the disease. Those with active disease had a reduced number of species of microbes in the gut compared to those who were in remission.

     In another study patients with rheumatoid arthritis were supplemented with a probiotic for eight weeks. Disease activity in the joints decreased. Insulin levels and high-sensitivity C reactive protein also dropped. These are markers for inflammatory activity. Cholesterol levels also improved with the probiotic supplementation.

     In another double blind placebo controlled study of rheumatoid arthritis a probiotic reduced pain, the CRP inflammatory marker, and improved the ability to walk two miles.

     A study of lupus-like disease in mice showed that use of the only antibiotic which knocks out clostridia bacteria resulted in alleviation of the disease. Clostridia have been shown to contribute to autism and reduction in the activity of the bacteria shown to improve the condition.

     Finally, administration of the antibiotic streptomycin early in the life of scleroderma prone mice was shown to induce dysbiosis potentially aggravating the disease.

References:

Chen, Chia et al. Multiple sclerosis patients have a distinct gut microbiota compared to healthy controls. Sci Rep 2016;6:2848.

Tajabadi-Ebrahimi, Jafari et al. Clinical and metabolic response to probiotic supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 2016;19:869-879.

Mandel, Eichas & Holmes. Bacillus coagulans: a viable adjunct therapy for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis according to a randomized, controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2010;10:1-7.

Mu, Tavella et al. Antibiotics ameliorate lupus-like symptoms in mice. Scientific Reports. 2017;7:13675.

Mehta, Goulet et al. Early-life antibiotic exposure causes intestinal dysbiosis and exacerbates skin and lung pathology in experimental systemic sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 2017;137:2316-25.

Aluminum and Autoimmunity

     

     The microbiome is not the only factor that is associated with autoimmunity. Early life exposure to adjuvants in vaccines can alter functioning of the brain and nervous system.  One researcher writes, "Experimental evidence also shows that simultaneous administration of as little as two to three immune adjuvants can overcome genetic resistance to autoimmunity."  For more information on this topic visit the link below.

Reference:

Article on aluminum and autoimmunity.