PRJNA557549
Anti-TNF-a therapy alters the gut microbiota in proteoglycan-induced ankylosing spondylitis in mice
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, progressive disease, and its treatment is relevant to the gut microbiota. Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-a) therapy alters the gut microbiota in many diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. However, little is known about the effect of TNF-a blocker treatment on the gut microbiota in ankylosing spondylitis. Herein, the effect of a TNF-a blocker on the gut microbiota in proteoglycan-induced arthritis was investigated. Proteoglycan-induced mice were treated with an rhTNFR:Fc solution of etanercept (5 µg/g) for 4 weeks. rhTNFR:Fc treatment attenuated the arthritis incidence and severity of arthritis in the proteoglycan-induced mice, decreased inflammation in the ankle joints and ameliorated ileal tissue destruction. Moreover, high gut permeability occurred, and zonula occludens-1 and occludin protein levels were reduced in proteoglycan-induced mice. These levels were significantly restored by administration of rhTNFR:Fc. The serum TNF-a and IL-17 levels were also decreased. In addition, flora analysis via 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing revealed that rhTNFR:Fc treatment restored the gut microbiota composition to a composition similar to that in control mice. In conclusion, anti-TNF-a therapy attenuated proteoglycan-induced arthritis progression and modulated the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function. These results provide new insights for anti-TNF-a therapy strategies via regulating the gut microbiota in ankylosing spondylitis.