Altered Gut Microbiota in Myasthenia Gravis

Area of Science:

• Microbiome Research
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder with complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors.
• The role of gut microbiota in MG pathogenesis is increasingly hypothesized but not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in fecal microbiota profiles of MG patients compared to healthy controls.
• To assess the relationship between gut microbial composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and inflammatory biomarkers in MG.

Main Methods:

• Fecal microbiota profiling using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (V4 region).
• Quantification of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) via gas chromatography.
• Analysis of inflammatory biomarkers in serum samples.

Main Results:

• MG patients displayed significantly reduced microbial richness and altered bacterial taxa abundance compared to controls.
• A notable decrease in the abundance of the genus *Clostridium* was observed in MG patients.
• Fecal SCFA levels were significantly lower in MG patients, correlating with microbial dysbiosis and elevated inflammatory markers.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota composition is significantly altered in myasthenia gravis patients.
• Microbial dysbiosis and reduced SCFA production in MG may contribute to the disease's inflammatory profile.
• Targeting the gut microbiome could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for myasthenia gravis.