The role of the gut microbiota in the development of rheumatic diseases: a focus on fibromyalgia - Report - MDSpire

The role of the gut microbiota in the development of rheumatic diseases: a focus on fibromyalgia

  • By

  • Yongli Zhao

  • Xingwen Xie

  • July 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: The Influence of Gut Microbiota on the Onset of Rheumatic Disorders

Background

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment. Understanding the etiology of FM is crucial, as it is distinct from inflammatory rheumatic disorders and lacks clear diagnostic markers. Recent studies indicate that gut microbiota may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of FM.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data or trial data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Fibromyalgia affects 2% to 4% of the population, with a higher prevalence in women, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
  • Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia.
  • Reduced microbial diversity and altered metabolite profiles are observed in FM patients compared to healthy controls.
  • Microbiota-targeted interventions, such as probiotics and dietary modifications, require further research to establish their efficacy.
  • Dysbiosis may influence immune function and contribute to central sensitization in FM.

Clinical Implications

Further research is needed to establish effective microbiota-targeted therapies for fibromyalgia.

Conclusion

The relationship between gut microbiota and fibromyalgia warrants further investigation.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Microbiota-targeted therapeutic strategies for elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis: based on the gut-joint axis
  2. Pain Medicine, 2026 -- Proinflammatory diet is associated with higher pain, disease severity and biochemical parameters associated with inflammation in fibromyalgia
  3. The Influence and Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Interactions in the Development of Crohn’s Disease, 2025
  4. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Editorial: Integrative Approaches to Fibromyalgia: Advancing Multidisciplinary Management Strategies
  5. EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia - ScienceDirect, 2024
  6. Fibromyalgia | American College of Rheumatology, 2025
  7. Altered gut microbiome in fibromyalgia: Systematic review of genomic and metabolomic bacterial findings - ScienceDirect, 2026
  8. The gut microbiota promotes pain in fibromyalgia - ScienceDirect, 2025
  9. More than a leaky gut: how gut priming shapes arthritis | Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2025
  10. EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia - ScienceDirect
  11. Fibromyalgia | American College of Rheumatology
  12. Altered gut microbiome in fibromyalgia: Systematic review of genomic and metabolomic bacterial findings - ScienceDirect
  13. The gut microbiota promotes pain in fibromyalgia - ScienceDirect
  14. More than a leaky gut: how gut priming shapes arthritis | Nature Reviews Rheumatology

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