Interaction of Gut Microbiota with Endocrine Homeostasis and Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in healthy individuals as well as in patients with thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer. Although the prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer is predictable, that of some poorly differentiated, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancers remains unpromising. As the interaction between the gut microbiota and thyroid cancer has been gradually revealed in recent years, the thyroid gland, a crucial endocrine organ, is shown to have a complex connection with the body’s metabolism and is involved in inflammation, autoimmunity, or cancer progression. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and its metabolites can influence changes in hormone levels and susceptibility to thyroid cancer through multiple pathways. In this review, we focus on the interactions of the gut microbiota with thyroid function diseases and thyroid cancer. In addition, we also discuss some potential new strategies for the prevention and treatment of thyroid disease and thyroid cancer. Our aim is to provide some possible clinical applications of gut microbiota markers for early diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative management of thyroid cancer. These findings were used to establish a better multi-disciplinary treatment and prevention management strategy and to individualize the treatment of patients in relation to their gut microbiota composition and pathological characteristics.

The relationship between thyroid and human-associated microbiota: A systematic review of reviews

“… The very few studies available seem to indicate the reduction of the butyrate-producing gut microbiota as potential signature of thyroid cancer. The same SCFA by inhibiting histone deacetylase, seems to activate NIS re-expression in thyroid cancer cells, inducing iodine uptake and redifferentiation [ 20 , 22 , 25 , 40 , 41 , 45 , 48 ] Is there an impact of gut microbiota composition in micronutrients related to thyroid homeostasis? The link between micronutrients homeostasis and gut microbiota composition is complex and bidirectional.…”

“…An excess of iron intake may favor the increase of intestinal pathogens [ 15 , 18 , 19 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 29 – 32 , 34 , 39 , 46 ] Is there a rationale for the use of probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotic in unselected patients with thyroid disorders? There are no evidence supporting the routine use of probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotic in unselected patients with thyroid disorders [ 13 , 15 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 34 , 35 , 38 , 40 , 46 , 48 , 49 ] Should a specific diet be suggested to patients with thyroid disorders? Despite dietary habits represents one of the major determinant in microbiota shaping, the evidence of a specific interplay between diet, gut microbiota and thyroid disorders is still scanty.…”

Major influences of the gut microbiota on thyroid metabolism: a concise systematic review

“…In this context, the biomolecule lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stands out, which is part of the cell wall of Gramnegative bacteria and is a trigger of septic shock. It was stated that LPS "is no less endotoxin than an exohormone", showing that LPS has similarities to human hormones, for example, LPS has its exposure dependent on endogenous reserves (commensals, Gram-negative bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract ), has a transporter protein, interacts with the specific cell receptor, its signaling is specifically modulated by endogenous mechanisms, and the LPS signal interferes with endogenous hormone pathways [13].…”

Association between urinary phthalates and phthalate metabolites and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A number of clinical studies suggested a strong correlation between exposure to environmental pollution and the incidence and mortality rates of cancer [ [16] , [17] , [18] ], which was consistent with results in animal models [ 19 , 20 ]. In addition, a series of studies have revealed that the disruption of the endocrine system plays significant roles in the development of breast cancer [ 21 ], prostate cancer [ 22 ], thyroid cancer [ 23 ], and endometrial cancer [ 24 ]. Moreover, endocrine therapy has been tried to treat these cancers mentioned above.…”