Acupuncture attenuates experimental autoimmune thyroiditis by modulating intestinal microbiota and palmitic acid metabolism.

Researchers investigated how acupuncture might help people with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This rat study examined whether acupuncture could improve thyroid function and reduce inflammation by affecting gut bacteria and metabolism. Scientists divided rats with experimentally-induced thyroiditis into groups receiving acupuncture treatment, selenium yeast (a supplement used as comparison), or no treatment over six weeks. They measured thyroid hormone levels, examined thyroid tissue damage, and analyzed gut bacteria and blood metabolites. The acupuncture-treated rats showed significant improvements in thyroid function and reduced tissue damage. Researchers found that acupuncture decreased cell death in thyroid tissue by increasing protective proteins and decreasing harmful ones. These benefits appeared linked to changes in gut bacteria, particularly increased levels of Prevotella bacteria, and improved metabolism of palmitic acid, a type of fatty acid. The study identified specific gut bacteria and metabolic markers that both acupuncture and selenium affected similarly, suggesting shared therapeutic pathways. While this animal research shows promising mechanisms for how acupuncture might benefit thyroid autoimmune conditions, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in patients with AIT. The findings suggest acupuncture may work through multiple pathways including immune regulation, gut health, and metabolic balance rather than a single mechanism. If you're considering acupuncture for thyroid conditions, consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in treating autoimmune disorders and coordinate care with your endocrinologist.

This experimental study examined acupuncture's mechanisms in rats with experimentally-induced autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) over six weeks, using selenium yeast as positive control. Researchers employed ELISA, histopathology, TUNEL staining, Western blot, 16S rRNA sequencing, and LC-MS metabolomics to assess outcomes. Results demonstrated acupuncture significantly improved thyroid function, reduced inflammatory markers, and ameliorated histopathological changes. Mechanistically, acupuncture increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression while decreasing pro-apoptotic Bax and cleaved caspase-3 levels in thyroid tissue. Treatment altered intestinal microbiota composition, notably increasing Prevotella abundance, and modulated palmitoleic acid metabolism. Specific microbiota (Prevotella) and metabolites (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, tetradecanedioic acid) were identified as potential co-targets for both acupuncture and selenium interventions. Clinical implications suggest acupuncture may benefit AIT through multi-pathway modulation of gut-thyroid axis, though human trials are needed to validate these preclinical findings before integration into clinical protocols for autoimmune thyroid management.