Prevotella intermedia Aggravates Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Endocrinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is linked to microbiota, but oral microbiota's role is unclear.
• Previous studies identified Prevotella intermedia abundance in SCH patients' oral microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the relationship between SCH and oral microbiota.
• Verify P. intermedia's pathogenicity in SCH.
• Explore the underlying mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Established an SCH mouse model with oral P. intermedia application.
• Analyzed oral microbiota composition, thyroid function, and metabolism.
• Utilized Student's t test and ANOVA for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• P. intermedia altered oral microbiota, worsening thyroid damage and gene expression.
• Decreased oxygen consumption and aggravated glucose/lipid metabolism disorders.
• Increased CD4+ T cells and suggested Th1 cell involvement in pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• P. intermedia aggravates SCH manifestations via immune imbalance.
• Thyroid dysfunction and metabolic disorders are linked to oral microbiota.
• Oral microbiota offers new insights into SCH pathogenesis.