Lactobacillus acidophilus and propionate attenuate Sjogren's syndrome by modulating the STIM1-STING signaling pathway

Background Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the exocrine gland. An imbalance of gut microbiota has been linked to SS. However, the molecular mechanism is unclear. We investigated the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and propionate on the development and progression of SS in mouse model.Methods We compared the gut microbiomes of young and old mice. We administered L. acidophilus and propionate up to 24 weeks. The saliva flow rate and the histopathology of the salivary glands were investigated, and the effects of propionate on the STIM1-STING signaling pathway were evaluated in vitro.ResultsL actobacillaceae and Lactobacillus were decreased in aged mice. SS symptoms were ameliorated by L. acidophilus. The abundance of propionate-producing bacterial was increased by L. acidophilus. Propionate ameliorated the development and progression of SS by inhibiting the STIM1-STING signaling pathway.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that Lactobacillus acidophilus and propionate have therapeutic potential for SS.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and propionate on the development and progression of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) in a mouse model. It was found that L. acidophilus and propionate could ameliorate SS symptoms by inhibiting the STIM1-STING signaling pathway, suggesting their therapeutic potential for SS.