The gut microbiota modulator berberine ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in rats by facilitating the generation of butyrate and adjusting the intestinal hypoxia and nitrate supply.

ABSTRACT: The commensal microbiota is one of the environmental triggers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have identified the characteristics of the gut microbiota in patients with RA. However, it is still unclear how the microbiota can be modulated to slow down disease progression. In the present study, berberine, a modulator of gut microbiota with substantial anti-RA effect, was chosen to explore the mechanisms by which the microbiota modulators ameliorate RA. The results showed that oral administration of berberine alleviated collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Berberine down-regulated the diversity and richness of the gut bacteria, reduced the abundance of Prevotella, and elevated the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria in CIA rat

SUBMITTER: Yue M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6902671 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature