Effect of probiotics or prebiotics on thyroid function: A meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials

by Qinxi Shu, Chao Kang, Jiaxin Li, Zhenzhu Hou, Minfen Xiong, Xingang Wang, Hongyan Peng

Background

Microbiome-directed therapies are increasingly utilized to optimize thyroid function in both healthy individuals and those with thyroid disorders. However, recent doubts have been raised regarding the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in improving thyroid function. This systematic review aimed to investigate the potential relationship between probiotics/prebiotics and thyroid function by analyzing the impact on thyroid hormone levels.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) levels. We searched for articles from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up until April 1st, 2023, without any language restriction. Quantitative data analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval as summary statistics. The methods and results were reported according to the PRISMA2020 statement.

Results

A total of eight articles were included in this review. The meta-analysis showed no significant alterations in TSH (SMD: -0.01, 95% CI: −0.21, 0.20, P = 0.93; I²: 0.00%), fT4 (SMD: 0.04, 95% CI: −0.29, 0.21, P = 0.73; I²: 0.00%) or fT3 (SMD: 0.45, 95% CI: −0.14, 1.03, P = 0.43; I²: 78.00%), while a significant reduction in TRAb levels was observed (SMD: -0.85, 95% CI: -1.54, -0.15, P = 0.02; I²: 18.00%) following probiotics/prebiotics supplementation. No indication of publication bias was found.

Conclusions

Probiotics/prebiotics supplementation does not influence thyroid hormone levels, but may modestly reduce TRAb levels in patients with Graves’ disease.

The impact of psychological interventions on surgical site wound healing post‐surgery in psoriasis patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis investigates the impact of psychological interventions on the wound healing process at surgical sites in patients with psoriasis who have undergone various surgical procedures. Following the PRISMA guidelines, an extensive database search was conducted, initially identifying 679 articles, with 6 studies ultimately meeting our rigorous selection criteria. These studies, which included both Randomized Controlled Trials and observational designs, utilized a range of scales, such as the REEDA and Manchester Scar Scale (MSS), to measure the healing of surgical wounds. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager and SPSS, revealing that psychological interventions significantly expedited wound healing as early as 1 week post-surgery (I ² = 93%; Random: SMD = −3.01, 95% CI: [−4.35, −1.66], p < 0.01), according to the REEDA scale. At the one-month follow-up, a continued positive effect was observed on the MSS (I ² = 69%; Random: SMD = 2.31, 95% CI: [1.54, 3.08], p < 0.01). The studies demonstrated a low risk of bias, and funnel plot analysis suggested no significant publication bias. These results highlight the beneficial role of psychological support in the postoperative recovery of psoriasis patients, suggesting a need for a more integrated approach to patient care that includes psychological well-being as a component of comprehensive treatment strategies.