Probiotics Applications in Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract

An autoimmune disorder (AD) is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own body cells through the production of antibodies that target certain tissues. Such attack triggers further inflammation that result in more attacks and a significant inflammatory response leading to tissue destruction and cessation of functionality [1]. ADs include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' disease, systemic lupus and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [2]. ADs are on the rise worldwide and have major health implications from the diseases themselves as well as complications. Even though the causes of AD have been postulated to be genetic and environmental, the actual triggers remain poorly defined [3]. Genetic predisposition contribute to about 30% of AD while 70% to environmental factors such as infections (e.g., virus, bacteria) and lifestyle-associated factors such as food.