Impact of Polysaccharides from Traditional Chinese Medicine on Rheumatoid Arthritis via Gut Microbiota Alteration: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies - Summary - MDSpire
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Impact of Polysaccharides from Traditional Chinese Medicine on Rheumatoid Arthritis via Gut Microbiota Alteration: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies
To analyze the effects of Traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides (TCMPs) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through modulation of gut microbiota, focusing on specific mechanisms involved.
Key Findings:
TCMPs significantly alleviated RA symptoms, including paw swelling and arthritis scores, with notable improvements in bone quality metrics.
TCMPs induced changes in nine phyla and 65 genera of gut microbiota, with specific emphasis on the significance of these shifts.
37 taxa increased in abundance post-treatment, while 20 decreased; Lactobacillus increased in four studies, highlighting its potential role.
Microbial shifts correlated with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate and propionate.
Mechanistically, TCMPs enriched beneficial genera, enhanced SCFA production, and regulated immune homeostasis through microbiota-derived metabolites.
Interpretation:
TCMPs may alleviate RA by reshaping gut microbiota, enhancing beneficial bacteria, and regulating immune responses through microbiota-derived metabolites, which play a crucial role.
Limitations:
Low methodological quality and high heterogeneity of included studies limit the reliability of findings.
Limited clinical translation and need for rigorous study designs to address these issues.
Conclusion:
TCMPs show potential as therapeutic agents for RA by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing intestinal health, warranting further clinical research in specific areas.
Higher oxidative balance was associated with lower mortality, while greater systemic inflammation was linked to increased risk in a US cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
