Experiments in rats hint that an immune-suppressing drug that can be taken by eating a probiotic may relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis more effectively than injections
Lactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic bacterium found in our gastrointestinal tracts
SCIMAT/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Eating a probiotic of harmless bacteria modified to make an immune-suppressing drug may relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to work in rats, and it seems to be more effective than injections.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue that lines the joints, leading to joint pain, swelling and stiffness. As a result, people with severe forms of the condition are often treated using anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the immune response. Some are delivered by tablet and …