Alteration in gut microbiota accompanied by increased intestinal permeability and Tfh/Tfr imbalance in patients with active SLE.

Background: Increased intestinal permeability and altered intestinal microbiota may influence cytokine regulatory immunity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between intestinal flora alters and follicular helper T cells (Tfh), regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, and cytokines in SLE.

Methods: In total, 23 patients with active SLE (SLE-A group), 18 patients with stable SLE (SLE-nA group), and 24 healthy controls (HC group) were enrolled.