Gut Microbiota Changes and Its Potential Relations with Thyroid Disorders: From Composition to Therapeutic Targets

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The human gut microbiota (GM) is a complex ecosystem crucial for host health, influencing digestion, immunity, and metabolism.
• Micronutrients interact with the GM, affecting host immune metabolism and potentially contributing to various diseases.
• Thyroid diseases, including Graves' disease and thyroid cancer, are common and impact overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the GM's role in thyroid hormone metabolism.
• To explore the GM's involvement in the pathogenesis of thyroid diseases, including nodules and papillary thyroid cancer.
• To examine the interaction between GM composition and common thyroid disorder treatments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on the human gut microbiota and thyroid diseases.
• Analysis of research on the interplay between microbial metabolites, immune responses, and thyroid function.
• Examination of studies investigating the impact of thyroid medications on GM composition.

Main Results:

• Emerging evidence suggests the GM influences thyroid hormone metabolism and thyroid disease development.
• Disturbances in the GM are associated with various pathological disorders, potentially including thyroid conditions.
• The GM may contribute to the pathogenesis of thyroid diseases through immune-mediated pathways and signaling.

Conclusions:

• The GM is increasingly recognized for its role in thyroid health and disease.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of GM involvement in thyroid disorders.
• Understanding the GM-thyroid axis may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for thyroid diseases.