Comparing Gut Microbiota Discrepancies between Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Healthy Controls: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: The importance of the gut microbiota in primary Sjogren’s syndrome is gaining significant recognition. This systematic review summarized the previous findings on the discrepancies in gut microbiota between patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome and healthy controls. Methods: From the establishment of the database until September 1, 2023, we conducted searches using electronic databases. We were interested in identifying specific bacterial changes between primary Sjogren’s syndrome and healthy controls as our primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and clinical parameters. To assess the quality of the included studies, we used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: A total of 9 articles were included in the analysis, comprising 504 case groups and 1313 control groups. According to two or more of the included studies, it was found that the gut microbiota of primary Sjogren’s syndrome patients was characterized by decreased butyrate-producing bacteria and increased pro-inflammatory microorganisms, as well as significantly lower levels of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria. Furthermore, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was lower in patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome than in controls. Finally, it was found that Roseburia has been shown to have a negative correlation with disease activity, as well as a negative correlation with IL-12 and IL-6. Conclusions: Patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome exhibited reduced diversity in their gut microbiota and decreased abundance of short-chain fatty acid producers, which may offer potential therapeutic targets for future interventions. Trial registration: CRD42023421915.