ROLE OF THE ENTERIC MICROFLORA IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF INTESTINAL INFLAMMATION AND ARTHRITIS

Strong associations exist between intestinal inflammation and arthriti s, ranging from infections with enteric pathogens to idiopathic inflam matory bowel disease. Increased exposure of the lamina propia and syst emic circulation to enteric microflora and their products are a result of increased proliferation of the luminal bacteria, pathogenic invasi on or enhanced mucosal permeability. Data suggest that anaerobic bacte ria and other constituents of the normal luminal microbial flora induc e and sustain chronic intestinal inflammation and arthritis. However, the normal host develops a tolerance to such bacteria and maintains ho meostasis through a controlled inflammatory response and an almost imp ermeable mucosal barrier.