In susceptible mice, diet intervention was found to prevent the development of autoimmune disease lupus. The study was published in Cell Host & Microbe.
For the study, led by Yale immunobiologist Martin Kriegel, the research team used mouse models of lupus. They first identified a single bacterium, Lactobacillus reuteri, in the gut of the mice that triggered an immune response leading to the disease. Specifically, in lupus-prone mice, L. reuteri stimulated immune cells known as dendritic cells, as well as immune system pathways that exacerbated disease development.
Lupus Nephritis
Lupus nephritis occurs in 60% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is classified into 6 categories. The symptoms are fever, joint pain, swelling, and proteinuria, among others.
Advertisement
‘Resistant starch suppresses both the growth and movement of L. reuteri bacteria outside the gut that would otherwise lead to autoimmune disease.’
Tweet it Now
To investigate the potential impact of diet on this process, first author Daniel Zegarra-Ruiz fed the mice "resistant starch" -- a diet that mimics a high-fiber diet in humans. The resistant starch is not absorbed in the small intestine but ferments in the large intestine, enriching good bacteria and causing the secretion of short-chain fatty acids.
While more research is needed to discern how the findings translate to humans, the study details an important link between diet, gut bacteria, and autoimmunity. "We dissected, molecularly, how diets can work on the gut microbiome," said Kriegel. "We identified a pathway that is driving autoimmune disease and mitigated by the diet."
![Systemic Lupus Erythematosus]( "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus")
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs like the joints, skin, kidney, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain.
The study also found an imbalance of gut microbes in a subset of lupus patients that was similar to what they observed in lupus-prone mice not given the starch diet. In this subset of lupus patients, the high-fiber diet could potentially be beneficial to prevent or ameliorate the condition, in addition to other diseases that activate the same immune pathway, Kriegel noted. "It may have implications beyond lupus."
Source: Eurekalert
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs like the joints, skin, kidney, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain.
Advertisement
The study also found an imbalance of gut microbes in a subset of lupus patients that was similar to what they observed in lupus-prone mice not given the starch diet. In this subset of lupus patients, the high-fiber diet could potentially be beneficial to prevent or ameliorate the condition, in addition to other diseases that activate the same immune pathway, Kriegel noted. "It may have implications beyond lupus."
Source: Eurekalert
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system fails to recognize the body as 'self' and attacks it.
Advertisement
 Quiz on Autoimmune DisordersThe prevalence and incidence of autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes, lupus and celiac disease are on the rise, revealed a study, however researchers at the Centers for Disease Control are unable to pinpoint a cause for this increase. Test your knowledge on autoimmune disorders by taking this quiz. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Diet & Nutrition News
For people posting food images on social media platform like Instagram, adding warm tones like red, yellow and orange can make healthy food images more eye-catching on social media
How to meet dietary needs in long-term care homes? Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help you.
Adding plant food sources to your diet and avoiding too much alcohol, salt, or sodium consumption can save you from chronic diseases.
Eating peanuts and peanut butter rich in polyphenols can improve vascular health in youngsters and healthy people.
Let's eat a rainbow for healthy weight loss: Adding colors to your plate by including bright colored fruits and vegetables can help you lose weight in a healthy way.