Alteration of Microbiome in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (P3.398)

Objective: We aimed to characterize the intestinal flora in subjects with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS), either in an acute or stable stage, and in control individuals to test our hypothesis that the gut microbiome has different characteristics in active RMS versus stable RMS. Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. MS can present under different forms, the most common presentation being the Relapsing (RMS) form, in which episodes of acute exacerbations are interspersed among disease-free periods, when the disease is considered to be stable. Alterations in the gut microbiota may be influential in autoimmune diseases such as MS. There are only few studies, mainly in EAE-animal model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that support this hypothesis. Design/Methods: We collected fecal samples from 8 patients with RMS during acute attacks and 2 patients with RMS with stable disease, as well as 3 control individuals. DNA was extracted from stool samples using PowerSoil DNA Isolation Kit. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical record review. 16S rDNA community profiling and sequencing was used to assess the gut microbiome composition. Additional data are collected and will be presented to the meeting. Results: There is gut microbiota composition difference regarding alpha diversity and beta diversity between active cases and controls/stable cases. Firmicutes-Clostridium IV and Bacteroidetes and Barnesiella are enriched in active disease when compared to control and stable disease Conclusions: Our study showed specific bacteria that are enriched in active disease when compared to control and stable disease. Ultimately, the aim of our study is to translate the differences in intestinal flora into markers that could predict disease activity and eventually to find interventions that could stall the disease course. Disclosure: Dr. Nedelcu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hall has nothing to disclose. Dr. Griffin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maldonado-Contreras has nothing to disclose. Dr. McCormick has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ward has nothing to disclose. Dr. Aroian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ionete has received personal compensation for activities with Genzyme-Sanofi, TEVA, and Biogen Idec as a member of the scientific advisory board.