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Fontecchio G, Fioroni MA, Azzarone R, Battistoni C, Cervelli C, Ventura L, Mercurio C, Fornaciari G, Papola F. Genetic Predisposition to Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Tuscan (Italy) Ancient Human Remain. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2016; 20:103-9. [PMID: 17346433 DOI: 10.1177/039463200702000112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently believed to have originated in America, and after the discovery of this continent in 1492, to have been exported to the Old World. We evaluated the genetic predisposition to RA in the “Braids Lady” from Arezzo (Italy), a partially mummified woman's body dating back to the end of 1500 AD which presents the anatomical and pathological features of this disease. The study of the polymorphic HLA-DRB1 locus, which includes alleles strongly associated with RA onset, has received much attention over recent years, especially the loci codifying for the DR1 and DR4 antigens, widely represented in the Mediterranean population, and for DR14, widespread among Native Americans. Molecular analysis was performed on extracts of DNA from the mummy, firstly from histological bone sections and then from the whole bone. Two different HLA typing techniques, PCR-sequence-specific oligonucleotides (PCR-SSO) and PCR-sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP), were employed to identify HLA-DRB alleles. Both genotyping methods showed that the “Braids Lady” carried the DRB1*0101 allele, the serological equivalent of the DR1 antigen. Although the possession of RA risk factor genes cannot be considered a diagnostic marker, the positive result of the Italian mummy for DRB1*0101 and the RA features present, support the idea that this pathology was present in the Old World from at least the mid-16th century. A pathogenetic hypothesis of RA which might well explain its worldwide diffusion is the “molecular mimicry”, resulting from a cross-reactive antibody response between certain microbial antigens and shared epitopes of specific HLA-DR1, DR4 and DR14 susceptibility alleles, the frequency of which varies among different ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fontecchio
- Centro Regionale di Immunoematologia e Tipizzazione Tissutale, Azienda ASL n.4, L'Aquila, Italy
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Disaanayake DMBT, Faoagali J, Laroo H, Hancock G, Whitehouse M. Efficacy of some colloidal silver preparations and silver salts against Proteus bacteria, one possible cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammopharmacology 2014; 22:73-7. [PMID: 24390313 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-013-0198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There has been increased interest in the role of anti-Proteus antibodies in the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether chemotherapeutic agents active against Proteus species might reduce the risk and/or exacerbations of RA. We examined the in vitro antibacterial effects of ten different silver preparations which were either ionic silver [Ag(I)] solutions or nanoparticulate silver (NPS) (Ag(0)) suspensions against ATCC and two wild (clinical) strains of Proteus. The data establish the low minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of all the silver formulations tested against these four Proteus strains. In a pilot study, a potent NPS preparation ex vivo showed long-lasting anti-Proteus activity in a normal human volunteer.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M B T Disaanayake
- Pathology Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
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Ebringer A, Rashid T. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a Proteus urinary tract infection. APMIS 2013; 122:363-8. [PMID: 23992372 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genetic, molecular and biological studies indicate that rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a severe arthritic disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population in developed countries, is caused by an upper urinary tract infection by the microbe, Proteus mirabilis. Elevated levels of specific antibodies against Proteus bacteria have been reported from 16 different countries. The pathogenetic mechanism involves six stages triggered by cross-reactive autoantibodies evoked by Proteus infection. The causative amino acid sequences of Proteus namely, ESRRAL and IRRET, contain arginine doublets which can be acted upon by peptidyl arginine deiminase thereby explaining the early appearance of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in patients with RA. Consequently, RA patients should be treated early with anti-Proteus antibiotics as well as biological agents to avoid irreversible joint damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Ebringer
- Analytical Sciences Group, King's College, London, UK
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Newkirk MM, Zbar A, Baron M, Manges AR. Distinct bacterial colonization patterns of Escherichia coli subtypes associate with rheumatoid factor status in early inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010; 49:1311-6. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Ebringer A, Rashid T, Wilson C. Rheumatoid arthritis, Proteus, anti-CCP antibodies and Karl Popper. Autoimmun Rev 2009; 9:216-23. [PMID: 19895906 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a crippling joint disease affecting over 20 million people worldwide. The cause of RA is most probably linked to the triad of microbial trigger, genetic association and autoimmunity and can be explained using the philosophical method of Karl Popper or Popperian sequences. Ten "Popper sequences" have been identified which point to the urinary microbe Proteus mirabilis as the cause of RA: Popper sequence 1 establishes that HLA-DR4 lymphocytes injected into a rabbit evoke specific antibodies against Proteus bacteria. Popper sequence 2 establishes that antibodies to Proteus bacteria are present in RA patients from 14 different countries. Popper sequence 3 establishes that antibodies to Proteus bacteria in RA patients are disease specific since no such antibodies are found in other conditions. Popper sequence 4 establishes that when RA patients have high titres of antibodies to Proteus such bacteria are found in urinary cultures. Popper sequence 5 establishes that only Proteus bacteria and no other microbes evoke significantly elevated antibodies in RA patients. Popper sequence 6 establishes that the "shared epitope" EQR(K)RAA shows "molecular mimicry" with the sequence ESRRAL found in Proteus haemolysin. Popper sequence 7 establishes that Proteus urease contains a sequence IRRET which has "molecular mimicry" with LRREI found in collagen XI of hyaline cartilage. Popper sequence 8 establishes that sera obtained from RA patients have cytopathic properties against sheep red cells coated with the cross-reacting EQR(K)RAA and LRREI self-antigen peptides. Popper sequence 9 establishes that Proteus sequences in haemolysin and urease as well as the self antigens, HLA-DR1/4 and collagen XI, each contain an arginine doublet, thereby providing a substrate for peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) to give rise to citrulline, which is the main antigenic component of CCP, antibodies to which are found in early cases of RA. Popper sequence 10 establishes that antibodies to Proteus come not only from sequences crossreacting to self antigens but also from non-crossreacting sequences, thereby indicating that active RA patients have been exposed to infection by Proteus. The ten Popper sequences establish that RA is most probably caused by Proteus upper urinary tract infections, which can possibly be treated with anti-Proteus therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Ebringer
- King's College, Analytical Sciences Group, London SE1 9NN, UK.
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Rashid T, Ebringer A. Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to Proteus--the evidence. Clin Rheumatol 2007; 26:1036-43. [PMID: 17206398 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-006-0491-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 11/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritic and potentially disabling condition, mainly affecting women of middle age and having characteristic clinical features. Various microbial agents were implicated in the causation of RA. Extensive literature based on the results of various genetic, microbiological, molecular, and immunological studies carried out by independent research groups supports the role of Proteus mirabilis bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of RA. New diagnostic markers and criteria and the use of a novel therapeutic protocol in the form of antibiotic and dietary measures are suggested to be used together with current treatments in the management of RA. Prospective longitudinal studies with the use of antimicrobial measures in patients with RA are required to establish the therapeutic benefit of this microbe-disease association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Rashid
- School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NN, UK
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Rashid T, Ebringer A, Wilson C, Bansal S, Paimela L, Binder A. The potential use of antibacterial peptide antibody indices in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. J Clin Rheumatol 2006; 12:11-6. [PMID: 16484874 DOI: 10.1097/01.rhu.0000200374.14619.f2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are potentially disabling arthritic disorders for which as yet no highly sensitive and reliable diagnostic laboratory markers are available. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of antibodies against Proteus and Klebsiella antigenic peptides in an endeavor to develop diagnostic indices for the identification of patients with RA and AS, respectively. METHODS Sera from 50 patients with RA, 34 patients with AS, and 38 healthy subjects were screened for antibodies against "ESRRAL" and "IRRET" synthetic amino acid peptides obtained from Proteus hemolysin and urease (HU) as well as against "QTDRED" and "DRDE" peptides from Klebsiella nitrogenase and pullulanase (NP) proteins, respectively. Multiplication of the 2 antibodies against each organism produced indices for RA-HU and AS-NP. RESULTS Significantly increased levels of anti-HU antibodies (P<0.0001) were observed in patients with RA when compared with patients with AS or with healthy control subjects. Patients with AS were found to have significantly elevated levels of anti-NP (P<0.0001) antibodies when compared with patients with RA or with healthy subjects. Furthermore, all patients with RA were found to have values of anti-HU antibody (RA-HU) index above 95% confidence limit (CL) of the mean of healthy control subjects; meanwhile, all patients with AS were having values of anti-NP antibody (AS-NP) index above the 95% CL of the mean of healthy control subjects (100% sensitivity). However, the specificity of the RA-HU index in RA and the AS-NP index in patients with AS were 92% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSION The use of the RA-HU or AS-NP diagnostic index as a sole marker or in combination with other autoantibody markers could be used in the identification of patients with RA or AS, respectively. Longitudinal investigations starting with patients with early disease will be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Rashid
- Division of Health and Life Sciences and the Department of Pharmacy, King's College London, and the Department of Rheumatology, University College Medical School, Middlesex Hospital, London, UK
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Ebringer A, Rashid T. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease triggered by Proteus urinary tract infection. Clin Dev Immunol 2006; 13:41-8. [PMID: 16603443 PMCID: PMC2270745 DOI: 10.1080/17402520600576578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and disabling polyarthritic disease, which affects mainly women in middle and old age. Extensive evidence based on the results of various microbial, immunological and molecular studies from different parts of the world, shows that a strong link exists between Proteus mirabilis microbes and RA. We propose that sub-clinical Proteus urinary tract infections are the main triggering factors and that the presence of molecular mimicry and cross-reactivity between these bacteria and RA-targeted tissue antigens assists in the perpetuation of the disease process through production of cytopathic auto-antibodies. Patients with RA especially during the early stages of the disease could benefit from Proteus anti-bacterial measures involving the use of antibiotics, vegetarian diets and high intake of water and fruit juices such as cranberry juice in addition to the currently employed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Ebringer
- School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK.
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Hughes LE, Bonell S, Natt RS, Wilson C, Tiwana H, Ebringer A, Cunningham P, Chamoun V, Thompson EJ, Croker J, Vowles J. Antibody responses to Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in multiple sclerosis: prospects for diagnosis using the myelin-acinetobacter-neurofilament antibody index. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2001; 8:1181-8. [PMID: 11687461 PMCID: PMC96247 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.8.6.1181-1188.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Antibody responses to Acinetobacter (five strains), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, myelin basic protein (MBP), and neurofilaments were measured in sera from 26 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, 20 patients with cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), 10 patients with viral encephalitis, and 25 healthy blood donors. In MS patients, elevated levels of antibodies against all strains of Acinetobacter tested were present, as well as antibodies against P. aeruginosa, MBP, and neurofilaments, but not antibodies to E. coli, compared to the CVA group and controls. The myelin-Acinetobacter-neurofilament antibody index appears to distinguish MS patients from patients with CVAs or healthy controls. The relevance of such antibodies to the neuropathology of MS requires further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Hughes
- Infection and Immunity Group, Division of Life Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Whiteford JR, Wilson C, Tiwana H, Ebringer A. Genetic diversity in Proteus mirabilis isolates found in the urinary tract of rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Infect 2000; 41:245-8. [PMID: 11120612 DOI: 10.1053/jinf.2000.0740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elevated levels of anti-Proteus antibodies but not antibodies to E. coli have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The suggestion has been made that P. mirabilis may have a role in the aetiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences at the genetic level inisolates of P. mirabilis obtained from controls and RA patients. METHODS A blind study was performed whereby P. mirabilis isolates obtained from urinary cultures of RA patients and controls were analysed using RAPD PCR. Isolates were then grouped on the basis of their DNA band profile after agarose gel electrophoresis, thereby allowing the composition of the Proteus population in the urinary tract to be analysed at the genetic level. RESULTS Fourteen different DNA band profiles were obtained from the 93 isolates tested: 70% of these isolates fell into only five of the 14 groups and approximately 25% of all isolates fell into one group. No differences were observed in the frequency of isolates from either control or RA subjects. CONCLUSIONS There is genetic diversity in P. mirabilis populations found in the urinary tract, but there are no differences in the frequency of these bacteria between RA patients and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Whiteford
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, London, South Kensington, UK
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Wilson C, Tiwana H, Ebringer A. Molecular mimicry between HLA-DR alleles associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Proteus mirabilis as the Aetiological basis for autoimmunity. Microbes Infect 2000; 2:1489-96. [PMID: 11099935 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(00)01303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Molecular mimicry is one of the pathological mechanisms proposed to explain the association between microorganisms and autoimmune diseases. This review deals with the association between bacteria and rheumatic diseases with a special emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis where upper urinary tract infection by Proteus mirabilis is the possible cause of this severe, arthritic condition. Prospective trials involving anti-Proteus therapy should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wilson
- Division of Life Sciences, Infection and Immunity Group, King's College, 150 Stamford Street, London, UK
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Tiwana H, Wilson C, Alvarez A, Abuknesha R, Bansal S, Ebringer A. Cross-reactivity between the rheumatoid arthritis-associated motif EQKRAA and structurally related sequences found in Proteus mirabilis. Infect Immun 1999; 67:2769-75. [PMID: 10338479 PMCID: PMC96580 DOI: 10.1128/iai.67.6.2769-2775.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-reactivity or molecular mimicry may be one of the underlying mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Antiserum against the RA susceptibility sequence EQKRAA was shown to bind to a similar peptide ESRRAL present in the hemolysin of the gram-negative bacterium Proteus mirabilis, and an anti-ESRRAL serum reacted with EQKRAA. There was no reactivity with either anti-EQKRAA or anti-ESRRAL to a peptide containing the EDERAA sequence which is present in HLA-DRB1*0402, an allele not associated with RA. Furthermore, the EQKRAA and ESRRAL antisera bound to a mouse fibroblast transfectant cell line (Dap.3) expressing HLA-DRB1*0401 but not to DRB1*0402. However, peptide sequences structurally related to the RA susceptibility motif LEIEKDFTTYGEE (P. mirabilis urease), VEIRAEGNRFTY (collagen type II) and DELSPETSPYVKE (collagen type XI) did not bind significantly to cell lines expressing HLA-DRB1*0401 or HLA-DRB1*0402 compared to the control peptide YASGASGASGAS. It is suggested here that molecular mimicry between HLA alleles associated with RA and P. mirabilis may be relevant in the etiopathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tiwana
- Infection and Immunity Group, King's College, London, United Kingdom
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