Effects of probiotic therapy on the activity and activation of mild rheumatoid arthritis--a pilot study.

[Guest guest]

Scand J Rheumatol. 2003;32(4):211-5.

Effects of probiotic therapy on the activity and activation of mild

rheumatoid arthritis--a pilot study.

Hatakka K, Martio J, Korpela M, Herranen M, Poussa T, Laasanen T,

Saxelin M, Vapaatalo H, Moilanen E, Korpela R.

Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Heinola.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on

rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Twenty-one RA patients were randomised

to receive 2 capsules of LGG or a placebo twice daily in double-blind

fashion for 12 months. Arthritis activity was evaluated by clinical

examination, HAQ index, and laboratory tests (e.g. ESR, CRP, pro- and

anti-inflammatory cytokines). RESULTS: There were no statistical differences

in the clinical parameters, biochemical variables and HAQ index between the

study groups over the intervention period. The mean number of tender and

swollen joints decreased from 8.3 to 4.6 in the Lactobacillus group and from

5.5 to 4.8 in the placebo group (p = 0.41). According to the global

assessment the RA activity was reduced in 71% (LGG group) vs. 30% (controls)

(p = 0.15). Serum IL-1 beta increased slightly in the LGG group (p = 0.07),

but no differences were seen in IL-6, TNF-alpha, MPO, IL-10 or 1L-12.

CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no statistical significant differences in

the activity of RA, more subjects in the LGG group reported subjective well

being. More studies on the effects of probiotic bacteria in RA are needed.