Modulation of immune function by dietary lectins in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Despite the almost universal clinical observation that inflammation of the gut is frequently associated with inflammation of the joints and vice versa, the nature of this relationship remains elusive. In the present review, we provide evidence for how the interaction of dietary lectins with enterocytes and lymphocytes may facilitate the translocation of both dietary and gut-derived pathogenic antigens to peripheral tissues, which in turn causes persistent peripheral antigenic stimulation. In genetically susceptible individuals, this antigenic stimulation may ultimately result in the expression of overt rheumatoid arthritis (RA) via molecular mimicry, a process whereby foreign peptides, similar in structure to endogenous peptides, may cause antibodies or T-lymphocytes to cross-react with both foreign and endogenous peptides and thereby break immunological tolerance. By eliminating dietary elements, particularly lectins, which adversely influence both enterocyte and lymphocyte structure and function, it is proposed that the peripheral antigenic stimulus (both pathogenic and dietary) will be reduced and thereby result in a diminution of disease symptoms in certain patients with RA.

The effect of early-life kidney bean lectin administration on pig performance in the peri-weaning period – a safety study

“…Nevertheless, it is known that lectins from legumes, including kidney bean lectins, may provoke immune system development (Prykhod'ko et al, 2009). Plant lectins may increase allergic reactions in humans and animals (Cordain et al, 2000;Lavelle et al, 2000). The discrepancies between the literature and our data may be explained by the fact that kidney bean lectin was given just once to our piglets, whereas in other studies it was applied repeatedly.…”

Dietary manipulation in musculoskeletal conditions

“…Reduction in gastrointestinal permeability to bacterial and other antigens: Increased gut permeability, a result of the gut inflammation that exists in up to 67% of RA patients [15], possibly exacerbated by NSAID and DMARD treatment, can allow the passage of lumenal bacteria and polypeptides. These may be absorbed in quantities sufficient to produce immunological responses leading to overt expression of RA [5].…”

“…Alteration in gut flora: The intestinal flora of RA patients differs from those of non-RA controls and patients appear to maintain a high frequency of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth [15]. Changes in faecal flora brought about by a vegetarian or vegan diet in a percentage of RA patients are associated with improvement in disease activity measures [16].…”

Crohn's disease successfully treated with the paleolithic ketogenic diet

“…Given their specific structure, these macromolecules may bind to and form complexes with the surface molecules of certain cell types. Such a complex is then destroyed by the immune system through apoptosis [27,28]. We assume that a continued exposition to these macromolecules may maintain the autoimmune destruction of tissues.…”