Effects of Scleroderma on Human Microbiome

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Introduction

Scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis) is an autoimmune rheumatological disorder in which hardening of the skin and other organs occurs through increased amounts of collagen in the skin. [1] Additionally, there are significant impacts on the vascular system by this hardening. There are two types of scleroderma, localized and systemic. Localized is when the hardening occurs exclusively in the skin and muscular tissues. Systemic occurs when the hardening is widespread throughout many organs in the body. Additionally, there are a variety of factors suggested in the pathogenesis of scleroderma, namely, environmental, genetic, and oxidative stressors. Further, sex is known to be a major risk factor for scleroderma and autoimmune disorders in general, with autoimmune disorders occurring in those of the female sex at double the frequency. [2] A potential cause of these sex disparities is the difference in the human microbiome between the sexes. It has been noted that autoimmunity is able to be characterized by changes in the gut microbiome. Moreover, these changes occur more frequently in the female sex.[3]

A diagram of potential mechanisms for the development of scleroderma. Shown are pollution, genetic factors, and oxidative stress.[1]


Genetics

Include some current research, with at least one image.


Microbiome

It has been observed specifically in the GI tract that scleroderma symptoms are associated with a change in the gut microbiome, including decreases in microbial diversity [4]In studies of scleroderma patients’ gut microbiomes who displayed the SSc GI tract phenotype (scleroderma patients with GI symptoms), increased levels of Fusobacterium and Prevotella were observed.[5] This suggests that the gut microbiome contributes to the development of the SSc GI tract phenotype. Moreover, due to the established link between Prevotella in the gut and diet, it is suggested that dietary changes to lower the levels of Prevotella in the gut microbiome might reduce the effects of the SSc GI tract phenotype.

Differences in microbial diversity are typical of various forms of scleroderma.[6] Notably, when comparing the microbiomes of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (DcSSc) and those with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (LcSSc), patients with DcSSc had lowered abundance of Lactobacillus and Coprococcus and raised abundance of Paludibacter. Furthermore, less Coproccus is seen in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, specifically in the metabolic pathway leading to liver fibrosis. This has led researchers to suggest further research into the potential role of Coproccus in the development of fibrosis phenotypes.

Changes in microbial diversity have not only been associated with scleroderma but other autoimmune disorders as well. These include inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, among others.


A rendering of Prevotella bacteria.[2]

Conclusion

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Include at least 5 references under References section.

References

  1. ↑ Singh, Deependra, Arun KS Parihar, Satish Patel, Shikha Srivastava, Prakriti Diwan, and Manju R. Singh. 2019. “Scleroderma: An Insight into Causes, Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies.” Pathophysiology 26 (2): 103–14.
  2. ↑ Angum, Fariha, Tahir Khan, Jasndeep Kaler, Lena Siddiqui, and Azhar Hussain. 2020. “The Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders in Women: A Narrative Review.” Cureus, May.
  3. ↑ Gomez, Andres, David Luckey, and Veena Taneja. 2015. “The Gut Microbiome in Autoimmunity: Sex Matters.” Clinical Immunology 159 (2): 154–62.
  4. ↑ Tan, Tze Chin, Maria Noviani, Ying Ying Leung, and Andrea Hsiu Ling Low. 2021. “The Microbiome and Systemic Sclerosis: A Review of Current Evidence.” Best Practice and Research: Clinical Rheumatology. Bailliere Tindall Ltd.
  5. ↑ Volkmann, Elizabeth R., Yu Ling Chang, Nashla Barroso, Daniel E. Furst, Philip J. Clements, Alan H. Gorn, Bennett E. Roth, et al. 2016. “Association of Systemic Sclerosis with a Unique Colonic Microbial Consortium.” Arthritis and Rheumatology 68 (6): 1483–92.
  6. ↑ Tan, Tze Chin, Maria Noviani, Ying Ying Leung, and Andrea Hsiu Ling Low. 2021. “The Microbiome and Systemic Sclerosis: A Review of Current Evidence.” Best Practice and Research: Clinical Rheumatology. Bailliere Tindall Ltd.


Edited by Andrew Van Horn, student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116 Information in Living Systems, 2021, Kenyon College.

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