Gut Microbiota: Potential Therapeutic Target for Sickle Cell Disease Pain and Complications

Tarimoboere Agbalalah1,2, Doofan Bur2, Ezinne JaneFrances Nwonu2

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria.

Anemia
|March 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Sickle cell disease (SCD) management may improve with gut bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia spp. Supplementation shows promise in reducing chronic pain by addressing gut dysbiosis and inflammation in SCD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Gastroenterology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) incidence rose 41.4% from 2000-2021, increasing morbidity and mortality.
  • Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to SCD complications, especially chronic pain, due to altered proinflammatory bacteria.
  • Specific bacterial alterations in the gut microbiome are increasingly recognized as key factors in SCD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the therapeutic potential of Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia spp. in managing SCD.
  • To emphasize the roles of these bacteria in maintaining gut barrier integrity, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune responses.
  • To investigate novel avenues for sustainable SCD management through microbiome modulation.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted up to November 2023.
  • Databases used included PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar.
  • The search focused on SCD pathophysiology, gut microbiota, specific bacterial species, pain, dysbiosis, and butyrate therapy.

Main Results:

  • Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia spp. demonstrates potential in alleviating chronic pain associated with SCD.
  • These interventions address gut dysbiosis, offering a promising approach for sustainable SCD management.
  • The findings highlight the significant role of the gut microbiome in SCD and support personalized treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia spp. supplementation presents a promising avenue for managing SCD complications, particularly chronic pain.
  • This approach could reduce reliance on conventional treatments and enhance patients' quality of life.
  • Further clinical trials are essential to fully realize the therapeutic benefits of these gut bacteria in SCD.
Abstract

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