INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by systemic symptoms and joint degeneration. Interestingly, the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to the microbiome, notably the gut microbiome. Dysbiosis, an alteration in the gut microbiome, has been connected to the etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. For instance, dysbiosis increases intestinal permeability and promotes the movement of bacteria and their products, which in turn triggers and aggravates systemic inflammation.

AREAS COVERED

The correlation between the gut microbiome and RA. Triggers of RA including dysbiosis. The therapeutic potential of the gut microbiome in RA due to its critical function in influencing the immune response. The fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a therapeutic strategy that involves the transfer of healthy fecal microbiota from a donor to a recipient, has produced encouraging results in the treatment of several autoimmune illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis.

EXPERT OPINION

The role of the gut microbiome in RA is critical and serves as a basis for etiology and pathogenesis, as well as having therapeutic implications. In our opinion, FMT is an excellent example of this correlation. Still, more investigations and well-designed studies are needed in order to make firm conclusions and recommendations.