A cross-sectional analysis of the vaginal microenvironment in rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The human microbiota is implicated in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Given the increased RA burden in women, and well-known correlations between the vaginal microbiota and local inflammation, we seek to understand the vaginal microenvironment in the context of RA pathology.

Methods

Self-collected vaginal swabs and questionnaires on dietary and health practices were obtained from 36 RA and 50 demographically-matched control women, 18-63 years of age. Additionally, medication regimen and disease activity and severity were captured for the RA cohort. Vaginal swabs were subjected to full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing, multiplex cytokine analyses, and quantification of rheumatoid factor, c-reactive protein, and anti-citrullinated protein

SUBMITTER: Mejia ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12036409 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature