ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR E-DIARY OR GOOGLE CALENDAR
This site is part of the Siconnects Division of Sciinov Group
This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Sciinov Group and all copyright resides with them.
ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR E-DIARY OR GOOGLE CALENDAR
Feb 18, 2025
A recent study published in Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation found significant differences in gut bacteria levels in MS patients. Researchers discovered that individuals with MS had fewer bacteria coated with immunoglobulin A (IgA) an antibody released by immune cells in the gut mucosa to target and remove specific bacteria.
The reduced IgA-coated bacteria in MS patients suggests a fundamental disruption in host-microbe interactions said Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, associate professor of neurology and the study’s lead investigator.
The exact cause of MS remains unknown but research suggests that external environmental factors like poor diet and smoking may contribute to its development. This makes the gut microbiome a key area of study in understanding the disease.
The microbiome connects both the environment and the immune system says Longbrake. In theory environmental risk factors could increase MS susceptibility by altering the gut bacteria.
MS Linked to a Lower Proportion of IgA-Coated Gut Bacteria
Researchers studied 43 individuals newly diagnosed with MS who had not yet started immune therapy along with 42 healthy controls all of whom provided stool samples. They isolated and analyzed gut bacteria distinguishing between those coated with immunoglobulin A (IgA) and those that were not.
The study revealed that MS patients had a significantly lower proportion of IgA-coated gut bacteria and differences in bacterial composition. Some findings aligned with previous research such as lower levels of Faecalibacterium in MS patients while new discoveries included higher levels of Monoglobus species in untreated individuals.
Additionally 19 MS patients provided stool samples six months after starting B-cell depletion therapy. Their gut microbiomes had shifted to more closely resemble those of healthy controls offering insights into how the treatment may work.
These findings could help explain why some people develop MS while others do not. In the future gut microbial patterns may even serve as biomarkers for predicting MS risk. We’re still analyzing what our results mean and how we can use this information to improve care says lead researcher Erin Longbrake. These are important areas for future study.