Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic auto-immune disorder that affects various tissues and organs in the human body. One of the many complications associated with SLE is the alteration in the gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of the body. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to various health issues. In this article, we will discuss the impact of SLE on the gut microbiome and how it can lead to several health issues.

What is Systematic Lupus Erythematosus?

Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic auto-immune disease that leads to inflammation of the various tissues and organs of the body. It is caused due to the inability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self.

As a result, the immune system starts to attack various tissues and organs of the body, leading to inflammation.

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the millions of microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of the body. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other small organisms.

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of the body. It helps in digestion, nutrient absorption, and synthesis of vitamins.

Impact of SLE on Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome is highly sensitive to changes in the immune system. An alteration in the gut microbiome can lead to various health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and even cancer.

SLE leads to several changes in the gut microbiome.

Changes in Gut Microbiome Composition

SLE leads to an alteration in the composition of the gut microbiome. Studies have shown that patients with SLE have a reduced number of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

On the other hand, there is an increase in harmful bacteria such as Enterococcus and Escherichia coli. This alteration in the gut microbiome can lead to inflammation of the gut and several other health issues.

Inflammation

The alteration in the gut microbiome of SLE patients can lead to inflammation of the gut. Inflammation of the gut can lead to several health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

In addition to this, inflammation in the gut can lead to the release of cytokines, which can further worsen the symptoms of SLE.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

SLE leads to an increased permeability of the gut lining. This increased permeability is known as leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome can lead to the leakage of harmful substances such as bacteria and toxins from the gut into the bloodstream.

This can further worsen the symptoms of SLE.

Immune System Dysfunction

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the immune system. An alteration in the gut microbiome can lead to dysfunction of the immune system.

SLE leads to an alteration in the gut microbiome, which can lead to dysfunction of the immune system. This dysfunction of the immune system can further worsen the symptoms of SLE.

Probiotics as a Treatment Option

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help in restoring the balance of the gut microbiome. Studies have shown that the administration of probiotics can lead to an improvement in the symptoms of SLE.

Probiotics can help in reducing the inflammation in the gut and restoring the balance of the gut microbiome.

Conclusion

SLE leads to several changes in the gut microbiome, which can lead to several health issues. An alteration in the gut microbiome can lead to inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, and dysfunction of the immune system.

However, probiotics can help in restoring the balance of the gut microbiome and improve the symptoms of SLE.