Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a prevalent inflammatory arthritis with a global incidence of 0.5–1%, is characterized by autoimmune-driven articular pain, cartilage degradation, bone destruction, and functional disability. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between alterations in gastrointestinal microflora and the development of autoimmune diseases, including RA. Probiotic bacteria have gained attention as a potential adjunctive therapy due to their immunomodulatory properties, offering promise for improving clinical and metabolic outcomes in RA patients. Aim of the Work To study the effects of probiotic supplementation on clinical status of patients with RA. Patients and Methods Sixty Egyptian RA patients aged 18-60 years, diagnosed and screened in the Rheumatology department at Ain Shams University Hospital, were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: group A received daily probiotic supplementation for 8 weeks, while group B served as the control. Detailed clinical assessments and laboratory investigations were conducted. Results There were no significant differences in age, sex distribution, disease duration, or disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) usage between the two groups, consistent with previous research. The probiotic regimen included Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis. Conclusion Probiotic supplementation in RA patients yielded mixed results in this study, with improvements in TJC and ESR but no significant changes in SJC, CRP, or disease activity scores. Further research is needed to elucidate the complex relationship between gut microbiota and RA pathogenesis and to determine the optimal probiotic regimen for improving clinical outcomes in RA patients.