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. 1994 Apr;112(2):367–373. doi: 10.1017/s0950268800057770

Host-microflora interaction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): colonization resistance of the indigenous bacteria of the intestinal tract.

H Z Apperloo-Renkema 1, H Bootsma 1, B I Mulder 1, C G Kallenberg 1, D van der Waaij 1
PMCID: PMC2271454  PMID: 8150010

Abstract

Experimental data suggest a role for the microflora in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Anti-ds-DNA antibodies may be pathogenic in SLE by forming immune complexes with DNA. Foreign bacteria in the intestines could constitute the stimulus for anti-ds-DNA antibody production in SLE. Colonization Resistance (CR) is the defence capacity of the indigenous microflora against colonization of the intestines by foreign bacteria. A low CR implies increase of translocation of bacteria and a higher chance of subsequent, possibly DNA-cross-reacting antibacterial antibody production. We measured CR by a comprehensive biotyping technique in healthy individuals and patients with inactive and active SLE. CR tended to be lower in active SLE patients than in healthy individuals (P = 0.09, Wilcoxon one sided, with correction for ties). This could indicate that in SLE more and different bacteria translocate across the gut wall due to a lower CR. Some of these may serve as polyclonal B cell activators or as antigens cross-reacting with DNA.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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