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Molecular Epigenetic Modulation of Immune Tolerance in Graves' Disease: The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in the Regulation of TRAb Synthesis

https://doi.org/10.14341/ket12851

Abstract

Graves’ disease is a systemic autoimmune process characterized by persistent breakdown of immune tolerance and continued presence of thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies (TRAb), even after radical thyroidectomy. This review examines the role of the “gut–thyroid axis” as a key regulator of systemic immune homeostasis. Particular attention is paid to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — microbial metabolites that act as potent epigenetic modulators. The mechanisms of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition by butyrate and propionate are described in detail, which promote stabilization of Foxp3 gene expression in regulatory T cells and suppression of B-lymphocyte differentiation factors (AID, Blimp-1). The interplay between intestinal dysbiosis, increased barrier permeability, and uncontrolled autoantibody production is analyzed. In conclusion, prospective targeted therapeutic strategies are discussed, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and the use selective HDAC inhibitors aimed at restoring immune control in refractory forms of the disease.

About the Authors

R. M. Gabibullaev
Endocrinology Research Centre
Russian Federation

Ramazan M. Gabibullaev, MD, resident

11 Dm.Ulyanova street, 117292, Moscow



A. A. Udagova
Endocrinology Research Centre
Russian Federation

Aishat A. Udagova, MD, resident

Moscow



S. A. Ibragimova
Endocrinology Research Centre
Russian Federation

Saida A. Ibragimova, MD

Moscow



L. R. Khorava
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Lika R. Khorava, student

Moscow



V. A. Prokurorova
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Viktoria A. Prokurorova, student

Moscow



R. A. Azizova
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Raisat A. Azizova, student

Moscow



H. A. Alikhanova
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Hadizhat A. Alikhanova, student

Moscow



E. I. Merzhoeva
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
Russian Federation

Eset I. Merzhoeva, student

Moscow



Ya. E. Maltseva
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
Russian Federation

Yana E. Maltseva, student

Moscow



Ya. E. Simakova
Russian University of Medicine
Russian Federation

Yana E Simakova, student

Moscow



A. A. Pak
Russian University of Medicine
Russian Federation

Anastasia A. Pak, student

Moscow



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Supplementary files

1. Figure 1. Pathogenetic scheme of interaction between intestinal microbiota and the immune system in Graves' disease. Notes: ЛПС - lipopolysaccharide; АПК - antigen-presenting cell; Th17 - T-helper cells type 17; Tregs - regulatory T-cells; АТ-рТТГ - antibodies to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor; ТТГ - thyroid-stimulating hormone; T3 - triiodothyronine; T4 - thyroxine.
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Type Исследовательские инструменты
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2. Figure 2. Molecular mechanism of epigenetic modulation of regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation under the influence of SCFAs.
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Type Исследовательские инструменты
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Review

For citations:


Gabibullaev R.M., Udagova A.A., Ibragimova S.A., Khorava L.R., Prokurorova V.A., Azizova R.A., Alikhanova H.A., Merzhoeva E.I., Maltseva Ya.E., Simakova Ya.E., Pak A.A. Molecular Epigenetic Modulation of Immune Tolerance in Graves' Disease: The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in the Regulation of TRAb Synthesis. Clinical and experimental thyroidology. 2025;21(3):23-31. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.14341/ket12851

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ISSN 1995-5472 (Print)
ISSN 2310-3787 (Online)