Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
551
The gut-joint axis in rheumatoid arthritis
Mario M Zaiss1,2, Hsin-Jung Joyce Wu3, Daniele Mauro4
1Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
Nature Reviews. Rheumatology
|March 6, 2021
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may originate at mucosal sites due to microbial imbalances, potentially preceding joint inflammation. Modulating gut microbiota could offer new therapeutic strategies for RA.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease impacting joints.
- A leading hypothesis suggests RA pathogenesis initiates at mucosal sites.
- This involves interactions between the mucosal immune system and abnormal microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of mucosal dysbiosis in rheumatoid arthritis development.
- To investigate if microbial alterations precede RA onset.
- To assess the potential of microbiota modulation as an RA therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial flora composition in RA patients (preclinical and established).
- Examination of mouse models of RA.
- Review of existing RA therapeutic options and their impact on gut microbiota.
Main Results:
- Alterations in lung, mouth, and gut microbial composition are observed in RA.
- Evidence suggests these microbial changes may predate RA onset.
- RA treatments can alter intestinal microbiota composition.
Conclusions:
- Mucosal dysbiosis is implicated in RA pathogenesis.
- Microbiota modulation presents a potential avenue for RA prevention and treatment.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise relationship between gut microbiota and RA.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
5.6K
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
5.6K
01:10Ankle Joint
2.3K
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
2.3K
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
596
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
596
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
1.9K
Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
1.9K
01:09Functional Classification of Joints
6.0K
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
6.0K
01:23Knee Joint
2.8K
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
2.8K