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Gut Microbiota Aberration in Patients of Systemic Sclerosis and Bleomycin-Induced Mice Model
Jungen Tang1, Xin Zhou2, Xuefen Wu1
1Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated systemic autoimmune disease with unknown etiology, which has high morbidity and mortality. Current treatments to dispose of this disorder are limited. And there are still no ideal animal models that can fully replicate the four basic pathophysiological features of SSc, including vascular lesions, fibrosis, inflammation, and autoimmunity, let alone animal models specifically designed to study gastrointestinal lesions. It's essential to seek and establish appropriate animal models to explore the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of SSc. In this study, we found similar gut microbiota aberration in patients of SSc and bleomycin (BLM)-induced mice model through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In terms of phylum-level differences, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was significantly decreased and Firmicutes increased in the SSc patients and the mice. Notably, the genera of Lactobacillus, commonly used as a probiotic additive, was also elevated in SSc patients and BLM mice, which was consistent with a few of studies. Therefore, the model can likely mimic the pathological changes of gut microbiota in patients with SSc, which may offer an important potential platform for the in-depth understanding of gut microbiota aberration in patients with SSc and to devise potential disease-modifying treatments.
Insights
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) research shows gut bacteria changes in patients and a bleomycin-induced mouse model. This model may help understand SSc and develop new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiome Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease with limited treatment options.
- Existing animal models do not fully replicate SSc's complex pathology, particularly gastrointestinal aspects.
- Understanding the gut microbiota's role in SSc pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gut microbiota alterations in SSc patients.
- To evaluate a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model for its ability to mimic SSc-associated gut dysbiosis.
- To establish a potential platform for studying SSc pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota composition.
- Comparison of gut microbiota profiles between SSc patients and BLM-induced mice.
- Analysis of phylum-level and genus-level bacterial abundance.
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in gut microbiota were observed in both SSc patients and BLM-induced mice.
- A decrease in Bacteroidetes and an increase in Firmicutes were noted at the phylum level.
- Elevated levels of Lactobacillus, a probiotic genus, were found in both SSc patients and BLM mice.
Conclusions:
- The BLM-induced mouse model demonstrates similar gut microbiota aberrations as seen in SSc patients.
- This model serves as a valuable platform for further research into SSc gut dysbiosis.
- The findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota for SSc treatment.
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