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Microbiomes and Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (MS): A systematic review
Sanaz Mehrabani1, Mohsen Rastkar2,3, Narges Ebrahimi3,4
1Associate Professor of Pediatrics Gastroenterology, Non-Communicable Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
AIMS Neuroscience
|January 8, 2024
Summary
Gut microbiota alterations are linked to pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS). This review found a disrupted microbiota-immune balance in children with MS, indicating its role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Gut microbiomes influence autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Understanding the gut microbiota's role in pediatric-onset MS is crucial for disease management and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize existing evidence on the gut microbiota's effect in the development of pediatric-onset MS.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar) up to January 1st, 2023.
- Two independent researchers screened studies, extracted data on patient demographics, disease characteristics, and stool composition.
- Four case-control studies were included in the final systematic review.
Main Results:
- Included studies involved 24-68 participants, with a mean age at onset between 11.5 and 14.3 years; most patients were female.
- Microbiota richness (e.g., Margalef index) and diversity (e.g., Shannon, Simpson, Faith's PD) were generally lower in pediatric MS cases compared to controls.
- These findings suggest alterations in gut microbial composition and function in children with MS.
Conclusions:
- The systematic review indicates a disruption in the microbiota-immune balance in pediatric-onset MS.
- These gut microbiome alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of MS in children.
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