Arthritis Models: Using CIA and CAIA to Study RA GWAS Risk Loci
Genome Wide Association Studies (GWASs) have identified numerous genes as potential therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. However, determining the roles of these genetic factors in RA pathogenesis is virtually impossible. Therefore, the mouse Collagen-Induced Arthritis and Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis models are useful tools to parse a genetics mechanisms for autoimmune arthritis. Read More
Intestinal Bacteria Modulate Inflammatory Arthritis
Review of paper published by W.K. Jubair et al. which analyzes how intestinal microbiota changes during the development Collagen-Induced Arthritis in mice. The study continues by using broad-spectrum antibiotics to observe the time-dependent effects that microbiota exert on autoimmunity. Read More
Different Bacterial Pathogens May Affect Serological Disease Markers in RRP and non-RRP Rheumatoid Arthritis
Summary of Terato et al. (2018) which studied correlations between antibody responses to common bacterial pathogens (E. coli LPS, P. gingivalis LPS, and peptioglycan-polysaccharide) and rheumatoid arthritis disease markers. The results suggest that different bacterial pathogens may be involved in evoking serological disease markers in RRP and non-RRP rheumatoid arthritis, and may contribute to the different disease outcomes in these patient groups. This paper lays the groundwork for studying rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases as perturbations of gastrointestinal bacterial populations rather than a malfunctioning immune response. Read More
Bifidobacterium infantis reduces inflammation in mouse models of asthma and food allergies
A study conducted at Shenzhen Children's Hospital demonstrates how oral feeding of B. infantis can reduce signs of inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthma and β-lactoglobulin-induced food allergy in mice. This study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that manipulation of gut microbiota is a viable treatment for allergies and autoimmune diseases. Read More
Influence of Diet and Probiotic Bacteria on Intestinal Barrier Function
The permeability of the intestinal epithelial barrier plays a significant role in an individual's systemic exposure to LPS and other bacterial toxins. The complex relationship between diet and intestinal permeability is not entirely clear, however the article reviewed here presents evidence that a probiotic bacteria, L. gasseri SBT2055, may be able to improve intestinal permeability. This research can lead to new strategies for treating metabolic disorders like obesity. Read More
Introduction to Exosomes: Origin, Characteristics, and Isolation
A brief overview discussing the differences between exosomes and other extracellular vesicles, therapeutic potential of exosomes, and the difficulties in purifying exosomes. Read More
Review: Therapeutic Effect of L. helveticus (SBT2171) on Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Review of Yamashita et al. (2017) that highlights the therapeutic effect of L. helveticus (SBT2171) on collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Read More
Tools to Study the Pathological Effect of Human Microbiota in Rheumatoid Arthritis
An overview of murine arthritis models ideal for studying the pathological effects of bacteria and bacterial toxins in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Read More
Gut Microbiome Composition Influences Collagen-Induced Arthritis Susceptibility in DBA1 Mice
A review of an article by Liu et al. (doi: 10.1038/srep30594) that investigates the relationship between gut microbiome composition and susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis in DBA1 mice. Read More
ChonBlock™: A Solution to False Positive Reactions in ELISA
An overview of non-specific reactions in indirect ELISA that can lead to false positive results. Read More