Features of the composition and correction of gut microbiota with metaprebiotic as one of the components of complex treatment of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis

Background. In recent years, researchers pay close attention to studying the composition of the gut microbiota and its effect on the course of autoimmune diseases.

Objectives. To study the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of gut microbiota of young women suffering from autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of metaprebiotic administration for patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and intestinal dysbiosis.

Materials and methods. In this study, we examined fecal microbiota samples and surveyed 25 women with autoimmune thyroiditis aged 18-43 years receiving levothyroxine sodium replacement therapy and 10 healthy women for clinical manifestations of intestinal dysbiosis. After determining the composition of gut microbiota by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 10 women with autoimmune thyroiditis and clinical symptoms of dysbiosis were treated with metaprebiotic at a dose of 500 mg 2 capsules 3 times a day for 14 days with repeated examination of gut microbiota and a questionnaire.

Results. When comparing two groups of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis with complaints of intestinal dysbiosis and the control group, differences were obtained in the form of an increase in the following representatives: Streptococcus mutans (anaerobic), Clostridium perfringens, Lactobacillus spp., Peptostreptococcus anaerobius 18 623 (p < 0,005). After a course of meta-prebiotic treatment, there was a decrease in representatives of Streptococcus mutans (anaerobic) and Clostridium perfringens. There was also a decrease of the clinical manifestations of intestinal dysbiosis, such as complaints of constipation, abdominal pain and flatulence. However, some patients continued to complain of dry skin, headaches and general weakness, but these symptoms cannot be convincingly linked to intestinal dysbiosis.

Conclusion. Further determination of the gut microbiota composition and analysis of the data obtained will allow identifying groups of diagnostically significant microorganisms that are associated with autoimmune thyroiditis and their effect on gut microbiota, as well as studying the effect of pre- and probiotics on the course of autoimmune diseases by prescribing probiotic supplements separately or in combination with prebiotics in the future can be considered as one of the key components of autoimmune thyroiditis treatment in combination with hormonal therapy with levothyroxine.

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