Lupus and Probiotics: Is There a Hidden Link?

As scientists look more closely at the effects of probiotics, some research suggests that they may help with treating lupus, especially in women.

The Mayo Clinic describes lupus as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which a patient’s immune system attacks the body’s tissues and organs. Probiotics are the “good” bacteria in the gut and can be consumed by eating some dairy products, fermented foods, and dietary supplements.

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Little research has been done as of yet looking at the effects of probiotics on lupus. In one study on mice, the presence of healthy microorganisms — specifically the Lactobacillus genra, which is found frequently in yogurt cultures — correlated with decreases in lupus symptoms, News Medical reported.

Researchers point to probiotics’ effect on DNA as a possible factor in the development of lupus, according to Medscape. In addition to helping digestion and the immune system, probiotics cause epigenetic changes.

Alterations in how a gene is expressed are known as epigenetics and result from changes in DNA structure that influence whether or not a gene may be transcribed.

When epigenetic T-cell DNA replacement is stopped, lupus tends to flare up, suggesting a genetic predisposition, Medscape reported. Studies showed that in mice, having bacteria in the gut had an effect on T-cell amounts.

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While the exact cause of lupus remains unknown, many scientists believe it results from genetic changes is are not inherited, instead being affected by the environment and hormones, Arthritis-Relief-Naturally.com noted. There is no cure for the autoimmune illness.

In the study, changes in lupus symptoms, however, occurred only in female mice, according to News Medical. The disease is nine times more common in women than men. Mice were given a dosage of probiotics on a weekly basis, according to The Journal of Immunology.

While Lactobacillus species seem to help patients with lupus, other bacteria may cause flares. Lachnospiraceae have been shown to worsen symptoms of lupus, according to Ask Dr. Maxwell.

Researchers have recommended human patients be studied for probiotics’ effects on lupus, Alliance for Lupus Research noted.

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