Review on the Efficacy of Probiotics in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases Publisher



Vaghefmehrabany E¹ ; Vaghefmehrabany L² Show Affiliations
Source: Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Human Health and Disease Prevention Published:2015

Abstract

Rheumatic diseases, representing more than a hundred distinct musculoskeletal diseases and syndromes, are a major health concern and the principal cause of physical disability worldwide, imposing remarkable economic burden on the governments. It is estimated that 20% of the population is affected by rheumatic diseases, with older adults and women suffering the most. Pain and stiffness are the commonest symptoms of rheumatic diseases; many extra-articular features including fever, fatigue, weakness, and eye and pulmonary symptoms may also accompany the musculoskeletal discomforts (Kavanaugh 2007, Klippel et al. 2008, Arend and Lawry 2008, Kool 2011). Most therapies for these patients are not disease specific and result in many undesirable health consequences; gastrointestinal complications and nephrotoxicity follow long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); osteoporosis, adrenal insufficiency, cataract, skin atrophy, peptic ulcers, and infection are some of the well-known adverse effects for glucocorticoids; and liver toxicity and suppressed immune system, which predispose the patient to infections and malignancies, are documented side effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs; Grove et al. 2001, Quan et al. 2008). Thus, it is a necessity to investigate new drugs and nutritional supplements for more efficient control of these debilitating disorders. © 2016 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.