Ученые Университета Алабамы доказали эффективность комбинации иммунодепрессанта и природного соединения при лечении волчанки

University of Alabama researchers have found that a combination of an existing immunosuppressant drug and a compound derived from dietary sources showed greater benefit than either treatment alone in a preclinical model of lupus. The compound, Urolithin A, is designated by the FDA as “generally regarded as safe” and is widely available as an over-the-counter supplement. The GRAS designation means it can be translated into commercial dietary supplements and functional foods without the additional regulatory hurdles required for new food additives. The research, conducted in UA’s  Drug Research and Engineering for Advanced Medicine Laboratory, reflects a broader effort to explore whether carefully tested, widely available compounds could play a role alongside traditional pharmaceutical treatments. A compound created by the gut Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, and existing treatments, like cyclosporine, are often taken with steroids to manage inflammation. This study explored whether molecules like urolithin A, a compound naturally metabolized by gut bacteria from precursors in pomegranates, berries, and nuts, but administered here as a synthetic compound, could eventually manage that inflammation with fewer side effects. Utilizing a synthetic form is a critical distinction, as only about 30% to 40% of the population naturally possesses the specific gut microbiome required to convert these dietary sources into active Urolithin A. The team, led by  Dr. Ravi Kumar, tested the two substances alone and then in combination. The study used a well-established rodent model, selecting only females to reflect the way lupus occurs at higher rates in women than men. By itself, urolithin showed limited effect on the disease progression. Cyclosporine alone showed some benefit, reflecting its existing use in lupus treatment. The combination performed significantly better than either treatment alone. Many supplements are marketed with grandiose claims, making it essential for consumers to consult a doctor before adding a new supplement to their existing treatment plan. However, certain supplements on the market do offer real clinical value. Kumar has worked for two decades to gather reliable data on molecules derived from dietary sources. His goal is to systematically evaluate these kinds of molecules so physicians have reliable science rather than anecdotal claims. “The goal is not to promote supplements, but to systematically test whether compounds known to be safe can support existing therapies and ultimately benefit patients,” Kumar said. A head start on regulation Unlike many early-stage studies, this research focused on a straightforward combination of already available products, offering a potentially more practical path for future translational work. While this is a preclinical trial, and patients should not replace prescribed medications with an over-the-counter supplement, Kumar is optimistic about the result. “With further work in the long term, approaches like this could potentially help reduce reliance on treatments for lupus with more severe side effects,” he said. The study, published recently in the  Journal of Immunology, was co-authored with researchers from the University of Houston, UAB and Baylor University. Courtesy of The University of Alabama.