Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LES) or also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the body’s immune system cannot distinguish between foreign substances and the body’s own cells. This can cause inflammation and tissue damage. Often the question is, can the symptoms of SLE be avoided or prevented?
Overview of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LES)
SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own cells and tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage to the affected organs. This condition can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels. There is currently no cure for SLE, but medical intervention and lifestyle changes can help control it. The prevalence of SLE is very different in each country. For the overall population, the global prevalence of SLE and the affected population are estimated to be 43.7 (15.87 to 108.92) per 100,000 people and 3.41 million people, respectively. At the regional level, the prevalence of SLE in the general population varies from 15.9 (3.29 to 45.85) per 100,000 persons in South Asia and 110.85 (26.74 to 314.1) per 100,000 persons in Latin America. The prevalence of SLE cases is higher in women compared to men.
SLE is a disease that can cause symptoms in various body systems and the cause is unknown. However, several genetic, immunological, endocrine, and environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, drugs, gut microbiota, Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and stress play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE. The gut microbiota plays an important role in metabolic function, maintenance of the epithelial barrier, maintenance of the immune system, and protection against infection by pathogenic agents. On the other hand, intestinal balance is maintained by complex cellular networks acting on the development of innate and adaptive immune systems. Therefore, the gut microbiota may be important in the development and maintenance of SLE symptoms.
SLE can affect all ages, but the most common occurrence occurs at the age of 15-44 years. Other risk factors are gender (women are more at risk of developing SLE than men), family history of SLE, and it is more common in African-American, Hispanic/Latin and Asian-American populations than in Caucasian populations.
SLE symptoms and complications?
Symptoms that people with SLE may experience include tiredness, skin rashes, fever, and pain or swelling in the joints. In the adult population, there may be periods of SLE symptoms called flares that can occur frequently even for years and then disappear or are called remissions. This period of SLE symptoms is more common in adults. Other symptoms can include sun sensitivity, mouth sores, arthritis, lung problems, heart problems, kidney problems, seizures, psychosis, and blood cell and immunological disorders. Some of the complications associated with SLE to watch for are skin scarring, joint deformities, kidney failure, heart attack, pregnancy complications, cataracts, and bone fractures.
Does LES affect the gut microbiota?
LES, which is an autoimmune disease, can affect the balance of the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota is a collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites) that are found in the gut and provide a mutually beneficial effect if the body is in good health. Under healthy conditions, the immune system plays a role in fighting various microorganisms that are not good, including maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota, however, under conditions that are not optimal, this role decreases. In SLE, there is an immune system disorder that can cause an imbalance in the number of microorganisms in the gut and increase the risk of developing symptoms. Therefore, disruption of the composition of these microorganisms, or called dysbiosis, can play an important role in causing inflammation in SLE and increasing disease progression and reducing prognosis. Related to this, consider giving probiotics to patients with SLE.
Can consumption of probiotics reduce the development of symptoms in SLE?
One of the reasons for the increased development of symptoms in SLE is an imbalance in the microbiota in the gut and several studies support that autoimmune diseases, including SLE, have been associated with disturbances in the composition of gut microorganisms and decreased function of the intestinal barrier lining. In SLE disease, there is an imbalance of microorganisms in the intestine and changes in the ratio of the number of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. In line with this, several types of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium bifidum, Ruminococcus obeum, Blautia coccoides, and Lactobacillus casei are said to improve inflammation and reduce the development of SLE symptoms.
In one study, there was a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiota of SLE patients, so the researchers considered giving probiotics. Adequate consumption of probiotics can provide health benefits and is expected to reduce the development of SLE symptoms. However, there is conflicting data on Lactobacillus strains and other probiotics and there are many limitations to the research involved. Although several studies say that there are benefits from giving probiotics in reducing the development of SLE symptoms, further research and clinical trials are still needed for clinical application.
What is a probiotic and an example?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed and enter the body. Probiotics may contain a variety of microorganisms, the most common being Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Other bacteria can also be used as probiotics as well as yeast such as Saccharomyces boulardii. Examples of food sources that contain probiotics are yogurt, various types of cheese, pickles, tempeh, olives, and natto. It is best to consume foods that contain probiotics before eating, but if you have a history of stomach or gastrointestinal disorders, you should consult your doctor first.
