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Cecal microbial transplantation attenuates hyperthyroid-induced thermogenesis in Mongolian gerbils
Saeid Khakisahneh1,2, Xue-Ying Zhang1,2, Zahra Nouri1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
Microbial Biotechnology
|March 17, 2021
Summary
Thyroid hormones regulate body temperature and metabolism by interacting with gut microbes. Restoring normal gut bacteria in hyperthyroid animals helped normalize their metabolism and body temperature.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Microbiology
- Metabolic Physiology
Background:
- Endothermic mammals require significant energy to maintain high body temperature (Tb).
- Thyroid hormones are key regulators of metabolism and Tb.
- Gut microbiota influences host energy metabolism, but its interaction with thyroid hormones in thermoregulation is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that thyroid hormones interact with gut microbiota to regulate host thermogenesis and Tb.
- To elucidate the role of the gut microbiota-thyroid axis in metabolic and thermal regulation.
Main Methods:
- Induction of hyperthyroidism (l-thyroxine) and hypothyroidism (Methimazole) in Mongolian gerbils.
- Analysis of fecal bacterial communities, bile acids, and short-chain fatty acids.
- Microbiota transplantation from control donors to hyperthyroid gerbils.
- Measurement of resting metabolic rate (RMR), Tb, and type 2 deiodinase (DIO2) expression.
Main Results:
- Hyperthyroidism increased RMR and Tb, while hypothyroidism decreased RMR.
- Thyroid dysfunction significantly altered fecal bacterial composition, increasing pathogenic and decreasing beneficial bacteria.
- Hyperthyroid gerbils with transplanted normal microbiota showed increased DIO2 expression, faster decline in thyroid hormones, and quicker recovery of RMR and Tb.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid hormones regulate thermogenesis in an interplay with the gut microbiota.
- Colonization with normal gut microbiota attenuates hyperthyroid-induced thermogenesis.
- This study reveals the functional significance of the gut microbiota-thyroid axis in controlling metabolic physiology and Tb in endotherms.
