Comparative Analysis of Taxonomic and Functional Gut Microbiota Profiles in Relation to Seroconversion of Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies in Euthyroid Participants

• DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0346
• Publication Date: 2023-11-27T17:26:26Z
• Authors: Aline C. Fenneman; Ulrika Boulund; Didier Collard; Henrike Galenkamp; Aeilko H. Zwinderman; Bert-Jan H. van d...; Anne H. van der Spek; Eric Fliers; Elena Rampanelli; Martin J. Blaser; Max Nieuwdorp
• Keywords: UniFrac; Thyroid peroxidase

Background: Previous studies have reported gut microbiome alterations in Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis (HT) patients. Yet, it is unknown whether an aberrant present before clinical disease onset participants susceptible to HT or reflects the effects of itself. In this study, we report for first time a comprehensive characterization taxonomic and functional profiles microbiota euthyroid seropositive seronegative participants. Our primary goal was determine signatures intestinal associated with serum thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb). A secondary aim different ethnicities warrant distinct reference intervals accurate interpretation biomarkers. Methods: cross-sectional (N = 159) without 1309) TPOAb were selected from multiethnic (European Dutch, Moroccan, Turkish) HEalthy Life Urban Setting (HELIUS) cohort. Fecal composition profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. Differences between groups analyzed based on overall (alpha beta diversity), as well differential abundance (DA) microbial taxa pathways multiple DA tools. Results: Overall showed substantial overlap two (p > 0.05 alpha-diversity; p 0.39 beta-diversity), indicating that TPOAb-seropositivity does not significantly differentiate diversity. Interestingly, status accounted only minor fraction (0.07%) variance 0.545). Further exploration differences identified 138 nominally status. Among these, 13 consistently demonstrated nominal significance across three additional methods, alongside notable associations within various pathways. Furthermore, ethnicity-specific biomarkers are required, no significant disparities markers found among ethnic residing iodine-replete area thyrotropin, free thyroxine, TPOAb). Conclusion: These findings suggest there robust difference individuals terms alpha beta-diversity. Nonetheless, several related presence. research required these changes indeed imply higher risk overt HT.