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16S rRNA Gene Sequencing of Gut Microbiota in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with 99Tc-MDP

Zhaowei Huang1,2, Changming Chen3, Linlin Tan4

  • 1Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine
|May 29, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Technetium methylene diphosphonate (99Tc-MDP) treatment for rheumatoid arthritis alters gut microbiota composition, increasing Bacteroidetes and Prevotella while decreasing Firmicutes and Escherichia. This suggests a potential mechanism involving the regulation of metabolism and genetic information processing in the gut flora.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Autoimmune disease mechanisms
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and potential deformity.
  • Technetium methylene diphosphonate (99Tc-MDP) is a common RA treatment in China, but its impact on the gut microbiome is unstudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of 99Tc-MDP on the composition and function of intestinal flora in RA patients.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of 99Tc-MDP's therapeutic action in RA.

Main Methods:

  • Collected stool samples from 32 RA patients before and after 99Tc-MDP treatment.
  • Performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to assess gut microbiota changes.
  • Analyzed alterations in bacterial composition, key regulated bacteria, and functional pathways.

Main Results:

  • 99Tc-MDP treatment increased Bacteroidetes and Prevotella abundance, while decreasing Firmicutes and Escherichia.
  • Gut microbial diversity (alpha and beta) remained unaffected by 99Tc-MDP treatment.
  • Key bacteria regulated by 99Tc-MDP included Bacteroidetes, Prevotella, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Ruminococcaceae.
  • Functional analysis indicated that Metabolism and Genetic Information Processing pathways were significantly altered.

Conclusions:

  • 99Tc-MDP treatment significantly alters the gut microbiota composition in RA patients.
  • The therapeutic efficacy of 99Tc-MDP is associated with the modulation of specific bacteria like Bacteroidetes, Prevotella, and Enterococcus.
  • Regulation of gut flora's metabolic and genetic processing functions may represent a key mechanism for 99Tc-MDP in RA treatment.
Keywords:
16S rRNA99Tc-MDPbioinformaticsgut microbiotarheumatoid arthritis

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