The Effects of Enterococcus faecium and Selenium on Methotrexate Treatment in Rat Adjuvant-induced Arthritis
2004

Effects of Probiotic Bacteria and Selenium on Arthritis Treatment in Rats

Sample size: 90 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jozef Rovensky, Karol Svik, Vladimir Matha, Richard Istok, Ladislav Ebringer, Mirolsav Ferencik, Maria Stancikova

Primary Institution: National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases

Hypothesis

Can Enterococcus faecium and selenium enhance the effectiveness of methotrexate treatment in rats with adjuvant arthritis?

Conclusion

Enterococcus faecium may improve the effectiveness of methotrexate treatment in reducing inflammation and arthritis symptoms in rats.

Supporting Evidence

  • MTX significantly reduced hind paw swelling compared to untreated controls.
  • Combinations of MTX with EF showed more significant reductions in arthrogram scores.
  • EF alone did not significantly affect inflammation markers but enhanced MTX's effects.

Takeaway

This study found that a probiotic called Enterococcus faecium can help make a medicine for arthritis work better in rats.

Methodology

Rats with adjuvant arthritis were treated with methotrexate, Enterococcus faecium, selenium, and their combinations over 50 days, measuring various inflammation markers.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of treatment combinations and measurement of outcomes.

Limitations

The study was conducted on rats, which may not fully represent human responses.

Participant Demographics

Male Lewis rats, average weight 170 g.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/17402520400001660

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