Rome, Italy, 11 June 2015: The results of a study presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2015) Press Conference showed that people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have a unique bacterial signature in their colon, when compared with healthy people. These findings suggest that changes in the gut ecology could contribute to the clinical symptoms of SSc, and could be used to diagnose the condition, and in the development of alternative treatments.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs. Up to 90% of people with SSc will suffer from gastrointestinal tract involvement, which causes symptoms ranging from reflux, difficulty swallowing and feeling bloated or full, to diarrhoea, constipation and faecal incontinence.
"Although gastrointestinal tract dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients, its aetiology has always remained elusive," said study investigator Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, United States. "By identifying significant differences in bacteria - both in type and quantity - seen in the colons of healthy individuals and those with SSc, we hope to have pinpointed the exact changes in body ecology that may contribute to the clinical symptoms of this disease. We believe investigating this specific microbial signature further has the potential to lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment for a truly debilitating condition."
Seventeen patients with SSc underwent colonoscopy, and were scored for distention/bloating, faecal soilage (incontinence), diarrhoea, constipation, emotional wellbeing and social functioning. The composition of microbial communities in the first part of the large intestine (caecum) and last part of the large intestine (sigmoid) were compared with healthy individuals.
The data showed significant differences between patients with SSc and healthy individuals, with a marked reduction in specific bacteria known to supply essential nutrients (commensal bacteria; Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium), and increases in bacteria causing infection (pathogenic bacteria; Enterobacteriales and Fusobacterium). This is the first study to directly examine the microbial makeup of the colon, and suggests that an imbalance in bacteria is a feature of SSc.
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Abstract Number: OP0213
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in Room 5B of Fiera Roma during EULAR 2015 or on:
Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com
Onsite tel: +44 (0) 7738 890 799/ +44 (0) 20 7331 5442
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About EULAR
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic diseases throughout Europe.
EULAR aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, and treatment of rheumatic diseases and the rehabilitation of those it affects.
With 45 scientific member societies, 35 People with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe (PARE) organisations, 19 health professionals associations and 21 corporate members, EULAR highlights the importance of combating rheumatic diseases through both medical means and patient care.
EULAR 2015 is set to be the biggest rheumatology event in Europe with around 14,000 scientists, physicians, allied health professionals and related audiences in attendance from more than 120 countries. Over the course of the congress there will be some 300 oral and just under 2,000 poster abstract presentations, more than 150 sessions, 400 lectures, 40 poster tours and 350 invited speakers.
To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org
Journal
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases