Gut Bacteria Drive Autoimmunity

While autoimmune diseases have many unanswered questions, there is increasing evidence that gut bacteria is a driving factor in autoimmunity. A research group from Yale performed a study that has given us more evidence that gut health can lead to autoimmune diseases.

The Link Between Gut Bacteria and Autoimmune Disorders

The researchers discovered that when Enterococcus gallinarum was moved from one part of the gut to the liver or other tissues within mice, it triggered autoimmune responses.

In the study, they chose mice that were genetically susceptible to autoimmunity and found that as the E. gallinarum moved to other parts of the body, it causes inflammation. Also, they found that their bodies produced auto-antibodies. Both of these responses are signs of an autoimmune disorder.

They moved from testing mice to performing these same tests on cultures taken from human liver. These tests resulted in the same findings- gut bacteria played a key role in the development of autoimmune diseases.

Science News: The Link Between Your Gut Bacteria and Your Painful Joints

According to a new study published in JCI Insight, bacteria in the gut, known as the gut microbiome, could be the culprit behind osteoarthritis, a condition that plagues people who are obese.
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What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is also known as the “wear and tear” arthritis. It is characterized by loss of joint cartilage that leads to pain and loss of function primarily in the knees and hips.