Elevated Serum LPS in Newly Diagnosed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Case-Control Study in Bulgaria

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Late diagnosis is frequent due to nonspecific symptoms.
• Gut-derived lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are implicated in autoimmune processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare serum LPS levels and dietary patterns in HT patients versus healthy controls.
• To investigate the relationship between LPS, thyroid function, and autoantibodies.
• To identify dietary factors associated with HT.

Main Methods:

• Hospital-based case-control study with 105 HT patients and 25 controls.
• Measurement of serum LPS, thyroid hormones, and autoantibodies (anti-TPO, TRAB).
• Dietary assessment using the KomPAN questionnaire.

Main Results:

• HT patients showed significantly higher serum LPS levels.
• Elevated LPS correlated with higher anti-TPO and TRAB antibodies.
• HT patients had lower Pro-Healthy Diet Index scores, with increased processed food intake and reduced whole grains/oats.

Conclusions:

• Increased lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and unhealthy diets may contribute to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• Findings support a multifactorial model involving gut barrier dysfunction, endotoxemia, and nutrition.
• Further research into gut health and diet interventions for HT is warranted.