Abstract
Graves’ disease (GD) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by hyperthyroidism. Evidence suggests that alterations to the gut microbiota may be involved in the development of autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of gut microbiota in GD patients. Fecal samples were collected from 55 GD patients and 48 healthy controls. Using 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing, the overall bacterial richness and diversity were found to be similar between GD patients and healthy controls. However, principal coordinate analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis showed that the overall gut microbiota composition was significantly different (ANOSIM; p < 0.001). The linear discriminant analysis effect size revealed that Firmicutes phylum decreased in GD patients, with a corresponding increase in Bacteroidetes phylum compared to healthy controls. In addition, the families Prevotellaceae, and Veillonellaceae and the genus Prevotella_9 were closely associated with GD patients, while the families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae and the genera Faecalibacterium, Lachnospira, and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 were associated with healthy controls. Metagenomic profiles analysis yielded 22 statistically significant bacterial taxa: 18 taxa were increased and 4 taxa were decreased. Key bacterial taxa with different abundances between the two groups were strongly correlated with GD-associated clinical parameters using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Importantly, the discriminant model based on predominant microbiota could effectively distinguish GD patients from healthy controls (AUC = 0.825). Thus, the gut microbiota composition between GD patients and healthy controls is significantly difference, indicating that gut microbiota may play a role in the pathogenesis of GD. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the role of gut microbiota in the development of GD.
Highlights
Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder in which stimulatory autoantibodies activate thyroid stimulating hormone receptors (TSHR), leading to excessive amounts of thyroid hormones
Fifty-five subjects were enrolled into the GD group and 48 volunteers were enrolled into the healthy control group
There were no significant differences in age, sex, or body mass index (BMI) (p > 0.05)
Summary
Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder in which stimulatory autoantibodies activate thyroid stimulating hormone receptors (TSHR), leading to excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, with typical symptoms including weight loss, fatigue, heat intolerance, tremor, and palpitations. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in the United States is approximately 1.2% (0.5% overt and 0.7% subclinical) (Doubleday and Sippel, 2020). The prevalence rate of overt hyperthyroidism estimated by a population-based study in Taiwan is around 0.270.37%, with an annual incidence of 0.97 to 1.06 cases per 1,000 individuals (Kornelius et al, 2018). The pathogenesis of GD remains unclear, but it is hypothesized that infections, iodine intake, smoking, and mental stress play a role, and both genetic and environmental factors appear to be involved (Shukla et al, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
