Faecalibacterium prausnitzii alleviates inflammatory arthritis and regulates IL-17 production, short chain fatty acids, and the intestinal microbial flora in experimental mouse model for rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease that leads to joint destruction and functional disability due to the targeting of self-antigens present in the synovium, cartilage, and bone. RA is caused by a number of complex factors, including genetics, environment, dietary habits, and altered intestinal microbial flora. Microorganisms in the gut bind to nod-like receptors and Toll-like receptors to regulate the immune system and produce various metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that interact directly with the host. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a representative bacterium that produces butyrate, a well-known immunomodulatory agent in the body, and this microbe exerts anti-inflammatory effects in autoimmune diseases. Methods In this study, F. prausnitzii was administered in a mouse model of RA, to investigate RA pathology and changes in the intestinal microbial flora. Using collagen-induced arthritic mice, which is a representative animal model of RA, we administered F. prausnitzii orally for 7 weeks. Results The arthritis score and joint tissue damage were decreased in the mice administered F. prausnitzii compared with the vehicle-treated group. In addition, administration of F. prausnitzii reduced the abundance of systemic immune cells that secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 and induced changes in SCFA concentrations and the intestinal microbial flora composition. It also resulted in decreased lactate and acetate concentrations, an increased butyrate concentration, and altered compositions of bacteria known to exacerbate or improve RA. Conclusion These results suggest that F. prausnitzii exerts a therapeutic effect on RA by regulation of IL-17 producing cells. In addition, F. prausnitzii modify the microbial flora composition and short chain fatty acids in experimental RA mouse model.

Modulating Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Preweaning Dairy Calves: Dose-Dependent Effects of Milk-Based Sodium Butyrate Supplementation

“…Members of the Bacteroides genus, prevalent anaerobic gut bacteria, are pivotal in carbohydrate and protein metabolism and play a vital role in the production of SCFAs [ 37 , 38 ], which are integral for energy and modulating immune and inflammatory responses [ 39 ]. The genus Faecalibacterium , especially Faecalibacterium prausnitzii , comprises a considerable portion of the human colon and is renowned for its production of anti-inflammatory SCFAs, such as butyrate [ 40 , 41 ]. This genus is crucial in maintaining intestinal wall integrity and preventing inflammation and other diseases, thereby promoting general health [ 42 ]; these observations have been mirrored in calf research [ 43 ].…”

Peptoniphilus gorbachii alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by improving intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation

“…While our in-vitro experiment confirmed PG ’s capacity to generate SCFAs, we observed no significant differences in cecal SCFA levels between non-treated CIA and PG -treated CIA mice. A prior study demonstrated differences in SCFA levels between gut and serum, suggesting the potential systemic transport of SCFAs within the body ( 55 ). Their research revealed an increase in serum butyrate levels upon administering Faeclibacterium prausnitzii , a representative butyrate-producing bacterium, in CIA mice.…”