Impact of a High-fiber Diet on the Microbiome and Disease Activity in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background and Rationale:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. Emerging evidence indicates that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune system modulation and may influence the development and progression of RA. Dietary fibers are known to enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut bacteria, which in turn can have beneficial effects on the immune system. Studies have shown that SCFAs can prevent the onset of RA in animal models and reduce disease activity in humans at risk. Additionally, a fiber-rich diet has been associated with weight loss, which is beneficial for RA patients as lower body weight is linked to reduced disease activity. Despite recommendations from the German Society for Nutrition to consume 30 grams of dietary fiber daily, most individuals fail to meet this target.

Study Objectives and Hypotheses:

The primary objectives of this study are to:

1. Investigate the gut microbiome of patients with established RA and its relationship with disease activity and body weight.

2. Assess whether increasing dietary fiber intake can favorably modify the gut microbiome and increase SCFA production.

3. Determine the impact of a fiber-rich diet on RA disease activity and body weight over a 12-month period.

   The study hypothesizes that a diet higher in dietary fiber will lead to:

   • Improved gut microbiome composition with increased SCFA production.

   • Reduced RA disease activity as measured by DAS28 and CRP.

   • Decreased body weight in overweight RA patients.

   Study Design:

   This is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial conducted at the Rheumatology Clinic of the University Clinic Würzburg (UKW). Participants will be randomized into two groups: an intervention group receiving dietary counseling and psyllium husk supplementation, and a control group continuing their usual diet.

   Study Procedures:

   Recruitment:

   • Adult RA patients will be recruited from the Rheumaambulanz at UKW.

   • Inclusion criteria: age >18 years, diagnosis of RA according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, ability to consent.

   • Exclusion criteria: age <18, lack of consent ability, insufficient German language skills, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis, history of mechanical ileus, altered gastrointestinal passage, recent antibiotic use, and recent use of psyllium husk.

   Interventions:

   • Intervention Group: Participants will receive dietary counseling to increase fiber intake and will be asked to consume 10 grams of psyllium husk daily. Regular phone calls will be made to support compliance.

   • Control Group: Participants will maintain their usual diet without additional fiber supplementation.

   Data Collection:

   • Dietary Habits: Questionnaires will be administered at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months to assess dietary fiber intake, protein content, and fat consumption.

   • Body Weight: Participants will be weighed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

   • Disease Activity: DAS28 and CRP levels will be measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

   • Stool Samples: Collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months for microbiome analysis and SCFA quantification.

   • Blood Samples: Routine blood tests including CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and metabolic parameters will be evaluated.

   Laboratory Analysis:

   • Stool samples will be analyzed for microbial composition and SCFA content at the Hepatology Laboratory, University Clinic Würzburg. Samples will be stored and destroyed after 10 years.

   • Blood samples will be assessed for routine clinical parameters and lymphocyte characterization.

   Data Analysis:

   • The primary endpoint is the difference in DAS28-CRP scores between the intervention and control groups at 12 months.

   • Statistical tests include Mann-Whitney U for non-parametric data and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

   • A sample size of 52 participants (26 per group) is calculated to detect a significant difference with 90% power, accounting for a 20% dropout rate.

   • Multivariate regression analysis will be used to control for potential confounders.

   Quality Assurance:

   • Data will be collected and stored in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regulations.

   • Data will be pseudonymized for statistical analysis and anonymized for publication.

   • Regular monitoring and auditing will ensure data accuracy and protocol adherence.

   Ethics and Consent:

   • The study protocol, patient information, and consent forms will be reviewed and approved by the local ethics committee at the University Clinic Würzburg.

   • Participation is voluntary, and participants can withdraw at any time without any impact on their standard medical care.

   Publication:

   • Results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals in an anonymized format.

   Sponsorship:

   • The study is supported by RheinNatur Food GmbH, which provides the psyllium husk for the intervention.

   This study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of a high-fiber diet for RA patients, contributing to improved management strategies and patient outcomes.