Host-microflora interaction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): colonization resistance of the indigenous bacteria of the intestinal tract.
Experimental data suggest a role for the microflora in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Anti-ds-DNA antibodies may be pathogenic in SLE by forming immune complexes with DNA. Foreign bacteria in the intestines could constitute the stimulus for anti-ds-DNA antibody production in SLE. Colonization Resistance (CR) is the defence capacity of the indigenous microflora against colonization of the intestines by foreign bacteria. A low CR implies increase of translocation of bacteria and a higher chance of subsequent, possibly DNA-cross-reacting antibacterial antibody production. We measured CR by a comprehensive biotyping technique in healthy individuals and patients with inactive and active SLE. CR tended to be lower in active SLE patients than in healthy individuals (P = 0.09, Wilcoxon one sided, with correction for ties). This could indicate that in SLE more and different bacteria translocate across the gut wall due to a lower CR. Some of these may serve as polyclonal B cell activators or as antigens cross-reacting with DNA.
Apperloo-Renkema
H Z
HZ
Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, State University Oostersingel, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Bootsma
H
H
Mulder
B I
BI
Kallenberg
C G
CG
van der Waaij
D
D
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000276:immunology*; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012703:Serotyping
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D004247:DNA