Microbiome ‐based mechanisms hypothesized to initiate obesity‐associated rheumatoid arthritis

Summary Worldwide, the growing obesity pandemic contributes to a range of chronic diseases. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested an association between obesity and the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly among young women, whereby pro‐inflammatory effects of adipokines provide one explanatory hypothesis. Yet, recent clinical and laboratory‐based studies provide emerging evidence indicating microbiome involvement in RA initiation and development, including anti‐citrullinated antibody formation and Th17 cell activation. Obesity and RA‐associated microbiome alteration might provide a plausible link to address the impact of obesity to RA pathogenesis. The microbiome's influence on RA development – at mucosal as well as articular sites – and relevant pathophysiological mechanisms regarding obesity's association with RA are presented herein to discuss this hypothesis and aid understanding of obesity's role in RA development.
Source: Obesity Reviews - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Authors: Tags: Etiology and Pathophysiology/Obesity Comorbidity Source Type: research