Characterisation of Intestinal Microbiota of Patients With Spondyloarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis
This study aims to compare the types of gut bacteria (also called the 'microbiota') in people with two conditions, spondyloarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, against those of healthy volunteers. Previous research has hinted that there might be specific differences in gut bacteria for each of these diseases. By examining DNA from stool samples, the researchers hope to confirm these findings and identify particular types of bacteria that might act as 'biomarkers,' which are clues that could help in diagnosing or understanding the diseases better. They also want to see if factors like age, gender, how long someone has had the disease, or their current treatments affect their gut bacteria. This research could open doors to new ways of detecting or managing these conditions in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your gut is a bustling city filled with tiny living residents – bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This collection is called your 'gut microbiota,' and it plays a big role in your overall health. This study wants to find out if the mix of these tiny residents is different in people who have spondyloarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis compared to people who don't have these conditions. Spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are types of arthritis that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness, mainly in the joints. Understanding if there are specific changes in gut bacteria could be a big step towards better understanding these diseases.
The researchers in this study believe that there might be special patterns of gut bacteria linked to each of these conditions. By studying samples from participants, they hope to identify these specific bacteria patterns. Finding these unique patterns could be like discovering a unique fingerprint for each disease, which might help doctors spot the conditions earlier or find new ways to treat them in the future. They will also look at how things like a person's age, whether they are male or female, how long they’ve had the disease, and any treatments they are currently taking, might influence their gut bacteria, in addition to checking for certain chemicals in stool and blood.
This research is important because it could help us learn more about the biology of spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. If certain gut bacteria are indeed linked to these conditions, it could open doors to developing new tests to diagnose them or even new treatments that target the gut to help manage the disease. The study will take place in the rheumatology department at a hospital in France, and your participation, if eligible, would contribute vital information to this area of medical understanding.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates gut bacteria in people with specific types of arthritis.
- It aims to find differences in gut bacteria between patients and healthy individuals.
- Participation involves providing stool and blood samples.
- No new medications are given as part of this study.
- The research could lead to better understanding and future treatments for arthritis.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and over. If you have been diagnosed with spondyloarthritis, following the ASAS criteria, or rheumatoid arthritis, using the ACR/EULAR criteria, you might be able to join. You'll also need to be part of a social security scheme and be able to understand and sign a consent form, showing you agree to take part. Researchers are also looking for healthy volunteers who are adults, don't have any long-term illnesses, and can also understand and sign a consent form.
There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you can't understand what the study involves. You also can't take part if you've taken antibiotics in the last month or had a bowel investigation (like a colonoscopy) in the last six months, as these could affect your gut bacteria. If you have any other serious acute or long-term health problems that might complicate the study results, you might not be eligible. Also, if you were part of a previous study called 'Microbiart,' you won't be able to join this one.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a diagnosis of spondyloarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (or are you a healthy adult)?
- Are you able to understand and sign an agreement to take part?
- Have you avoided antibiotics in the last month and bowel investigations in the last six months?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the researchers will need to collect two types of samples from you: a stool (poo) sample and a blood sample. These samples will be used to look at your gut bacteria and other related health markers. There are no medications involved in this study and no specific follow-up visits beyond the initial sample collection. The study aims to gather this information at a single point in time to compare different groups. The exact number of visits and the overall duration for your participation will be short, primarily focused on providing the samples. You will be asked to sign a consent form to make sure you understand everything involved before you begin.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de ParisVerified postcodeBoulogne-Billancourt, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'gut microbiota'?
It's the collection of all the tiny living things, like bacteria, in your intestines, which play an important role in your health.
Why are you looking at my poo?
Stool samples contain a lot of information about the types of bacteria living in your gut, which is what researchers want to study.
Will I get drugs in this study?
No, this study only involves collecting samples (stool and blood) and does not involve any new medications or treatments.
Where is this study happening?
The study is being carried out in the rheumatology department at Ambroise Paré hospital in France.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Maxime BREBAN, MD, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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