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Updated: May 10, 2025
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Microbiota-Driven Mechanisms in Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Strategies, and Biomarker Potential
Mohammad Hosein Nemati1,2, Esmaeil Yazdanpanah3, Roya Kazemi1,2
1Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799442, Iran.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a well-known, chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) involving demyelination and neurodegeneration. Research previously conducted in the area of the gut microbiome has highlighted it as a critical contributor to MS pathogenesis. Changes in the commensal microbiota, or dysbiosis, have been shown to affect immune homeostasis, leading to elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and disruption of the gut-brain axis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of interactions between the gut microbiota and MS, especially focusing on the immunomodulatory actions of microbiota, such as influencing T-cell balance and control of metabolites, e.g., short-chain fatty acids. Various microbial taxa (e.g., Prevotella and Faecalibacterium) were suggested to lay protective roles, whereas Akkermansia muciniphila was associated with disease aggravation. Interventions focusing on microbiota, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and dietary therapies to normalize gut microbial homeostasis, suppress inflammation and are proven to improve clinical benefits in MS patients. Alterations in gut microbiota represent opportunities for identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis, disease progression and treatment response monitoring. Further studies need to be conducted to potentially address the interplay between genetic predispositions, environmental cues, and microbiota composition to get the precise mechanisms of the gut-brain axis in MS. In conclusion, the gut microbiota plays a central role in MS pathogenesis and offers potential for novel therapeutic approaches, providing a promising avenue for improving clinical outcomes in MS management.
Insights
The gut microbiome significantly impacts multiple sclerosis (MS) development and progression. Modulating gut bacteria through interventions like probiotics and diet shows promise for managing MS and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiome Research
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune CNS disease characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration.
- Gut microbiome dysbiosis is increasingly recognized as a key factor in MS pathogenesis, affecting immune homeostasis and the gut-brain axis.
- Commensal microbiota influence immune responses, cytokine levels, and metabolite production, impacting disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and MS.
- To highlight the immunomodulatory roles of gut microbes and their metabolites in MS.
- To explore microbiota-targeted interventions and their therapeutic potential in MS management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on gut microbiota and MS.
- Analysis of studies investigating microbial taxa, metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids), and immune cell modulation.
- Evaluation of evidence for interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and dietary therapies.
Main Results:
- Specific microbial taxa like Prevotella and Faecalibacterium may offer protective effects, while Akkermansia muciniphila is linked to disease exacerbation.
- Gut microbiota composition influences T-cell balance and produces metabolites crucial for immune regulation.
- Microbiota-focused interventions demonstrate potential for normalizing homeostasis, reducing inflammation, and improving clinical outcomes in MS patients.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in MS pathogenesis and progression.
- Alterations in gut microbiota offer potential as biomarkers for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and treatment response.
- Targeting the gut microbiome presents a promising therapeutic avenue for enhancing MS management and patient outcomes.
