The Impact of Gut Microbiota on Thyroid Immune Responses - Evaluation with Bioinformatics Tools

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Perturbations in the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota have been implicated in various autoimmune diseases, including those affecting the thyroid gland. Despite significant advancements in understanding this association, there remains a gap in research regarding the precise mechanisms by which gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to the development and progression of autoimmune thyroid disorders. Objective To investigate the influence of gut microbiota on thyroid immune responses using bioinformatics tool. Methods The study used genomic and proteomic sequence data from the NCBI database to examine the influence of gut microbiota on thyroid immune responses. Taxonomic analysis and metagenomic analysis were performed, and functional annotation tools were used to identify genes and pathways involved in the immune response. Biological networks were constructed to understand the complex biological interactions. Results A total of 944 sequences of microorganisms specific to thyroid immune response were obtained from NCBI. The taxonomic composition consisted of Agathobacter rectalis, Bacteroides stercoris, Bifidobacterium faecale, Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium leptum, Lactobacillus iners, Prevotella jejuni, and Roseburia. Bacteroides stercoris represented 35% of the composition, Agathobacter rectalis represented 25%, Prevotella jejuni represented 15%, and Roseburia represented 10%. The taxonomic diversity index was 0.85, indicating high diversity. Biological networks were constructed, revealing 8 significant modules. The NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathway was identified as the specific pathway influencing gut microbiota on thyroid immune responses, playing a critical role in modulating the immune response of the thyroid. Conclusion We identified a diverse set of microorganisms specific to the thyroid immune response, and through biological network analysis, we identified the signaling pathway as critical in modulating the immune response of the thyroid.