Work

Altered gut microbiota in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background The pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is complex and not fully elucidated, involving interactions among genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Emerging evidence suggests a potential role of gut microbiota in RA pathogenesis. Aim of the work To assess alterations in the fecal abundance of selected gut microbiota: Collinsella, Eggerthella, Faecalibacterium, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Atopobium in patients with RA, and to evaluate their association with RA-related autoantibodies and disease activity. Patients and methods The study included 30 patients with early RA and 20 healthy first-degree relatives as controls. Stool samples were collected for quantitative analysis of gut microbiota using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Laboratory assessments in RA patients included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Disease activity was evaluated using the disease activity score (DAS28). Results The mean age of RA patients was 49.27 ± 13.48 years. The female-to-male ratio was 4:1. RA patients showed a significant increase in the fecal abundance of Collinsella and Lactobacillus ( p < 0.001) and Atopobium ( p = 0.031) compared to controls. No significant associations were found between alterations in the gut microbiota and RA autoantibody levels (RF, anti-CCP) or disease activity (DAS28). Conclusion Alterations in gut microbiota composition may contribute to the pathogenesis of RA; however, their relationship with disease activity and serological markers appears limited.

Source: The Egyptian Rheumatologist

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejr.2026.05.004

Authors: Amany A. Sholkamy, Mariana V. Gerges, Ahmed Z. Darwish, Shawky A. Fouad, Reham A. Dwedar, Mohamed T. Hegazy

Institutions: Cairo University, Ministry of Health and Population

Language: English

Topic: Gut microbiota and health

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,500