Major research findings

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain, stiffness, and fatigue. The exact causes of AS remain unclear, but it is believed to be associated with both genetic and environmental factors. found that the saliva of AS patients was depleted of Bacilli such as Streptococcus, enriched with Clostridia such as Veillonellaceae, and enriched with opportunistic pathogens from Proteobacteria such as Brucella spp. and Campylobacter concisus. This study also found that the saliva of AS patients was enriched with 16 cytokines related to inflammation, such as soluble IL-6 receptor α (sIL-6Rα), interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-10, IL-11, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-20, IL-26, IL-27, IL-28A, IL-29, alpha 2 interferon (IFN-α2), IFN-β, and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3). AS saliva was also enriched with hazardous compounds, such as cadaverine and putrescine.

showed that a novel mutation in the RELN gene (OMIM: 600514), S2486G, was associated with AS. This mutation may affect reelin secretion and the expression of the PLA2G7 gene (OMIM: 601690) and the concentration of platelet-activating factor-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), its downstream gene and encoded protein.

Reasons for causes

The causes of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are still not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. suggests that recent progress has been made in identifying genetic pathways involved in the disease, including those involved in the control of DNA methylation, bacterial sensing, and mucosal immunity. These pathways are likely to be identified as a higher proportion of the genetic risk of AS is determined.

Common causes

Genetic factors

AS has a strong genetic component and is strongly associated with the HLA-B27 gene. describes the findings of studies in AS involving profiling of T cell expansions and discusses future research opportunities based on these findings.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors such as gut bacteria and infections are also thought to be involved in the development of AS. found that the saliva of AS patients was enriched with opportunistic pathogens such as Brucella and Campylobacter. These findings suggest that the oral microbiome could play a role in the development of AS.

Other

The age of diagnosis of AS may have a significant impact on its development. 2 showed that men diagnosed with AS before the peak of reproductive age had a lower fertility rate, higher childlessness rate, and more fertility problems than those diagnosed at or after the peak.

Measures for causes

Genetic factors

AS has a strong genetic component and is strongly associated with the HLA-B27 gene. However, there is no established treatment for AS that targets the HLA-B27 gene. Genetic studies related to AS will help clarify the genetic risk of AS.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors such as gut bacteria and infections are also thought to be involved in the development of AS. suggests that improving oral hygiene could be an effective way to prevent or treat AS. This can be done through better oral hygiene practices and a healthy diet.

Other

The age of diagnosis of AS may have a significant impact on its development. 2 suggests that early diagnosis and treatment of AS are important for maintaining male fertility.

Comparison of studies

Commonalities in studies

All of these studies concluded that AS is a complex disease that is caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. All of these studies have also identified potential targets for new therapies that could help elucidate the pathogenesis and development of treatments for AS. identifies the relationship between HLA-B27 and AS while illustrates the connection between the RELN gene mutation and AS.

Differences in studies

These studies explore the causes of AS from different perspectives. reveals the abnormal oral microbiome in AS patients and illustrates the association between RELN gene mutation and AS. These studies provide new insights into the pathogenesis of AS that could lead to the development of new treatment methods.

Notes on application to real life

The findings of these studies provide important implications for developing new strategies for treating and preventing AS. However, these studies are still in their early stages, and more research is needed to fully understand the causes of AS and develop effective treatments. Therefore, it is important to avoid applying these findings to real life without further investigation.

Limitations of current research

Research to elucidate the pathogenesis of AS and develop new treatments still faces many challenges. For example, large-scale studies involving more patients are needed to better understand the pathogenesis of AS. More research is also needed to identify the genes and environmental factors that contribute to the development of AS and to develop effective treatments for these causes.

Future research directions

Future research should focus on the following areas to better understand the pathogenesis of AS and develop new treatments: • Studies to identify the genes and environmental factors that contribute to the development of AS • Studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of AS • Studies to develop new treatments for AS • Studies to develop methods to prevent AS

Conclusion

Ankylosing spondylitis is a complex disease that is caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. While the exact causes of AS are still not fully understood, numerous studies have provided important information that can be used to elucidate the pathogenesis of AS and develop new treatments. Further research is needed to prevent and treat AS.