Nutrition in Spondyloarthritis and Related Immune-Mediated Disorders

Abstract

Recent research on the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis and related immune-mediated diseases associated with human leukocyte antigen class I molecule B27 (HLA-B27) has led to significant progress in terms of management and prognosis, with multiple treatments being constantly evaluated and implemented. Correlations between the genetic background of spondyloarthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases and the inflammatory processes involving gut microbiota have been established. This knowledge has allowed progress in pharmacological therapy. The role of diet in the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases pertaining to the HLA-B27 spectrum is of great significance, considering possible future applications in individualized medicine. Diet impacts the composition of gut microbiota, representing a substrate for the synthesis of metabolites affecting the mucosal immune system. Certain pro-inflammatory mediators, such as emulsifiers and microparticles, induce a more profound cytokine response, promoting inflammation. Numerous diets, including the low-starch diet, the Mediterranean diet, diets with low contents of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (low-FODMAP diets), gluten-free diets and fasting, have been analysed and correlated with patients’ symptomatology and dietary adherence. The aim of this review is to provide an extensive perspective on the diets available to patients with spondyloarthritis and related immune-mediated disorders.