Correlation between depressive-like behavior and gut microbiota in mice with hypothyroidism

Figure 3 The intestinal barrier is compromised in hypothyroid mice. A-C: The mRNA expression levels of genes encoding tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1, and occludin in the colon are significantly reduced in the hypothyroid group (HO) compared to the control group; D: Western blot analysis reveals decreased protein levels of ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin in the HO group; E: Immunofluorescence imaging demonstrates weaker staining for ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin in the colon tissues of HO mice, further confirming reduced expression. Results are presented as mean ± SEM, with ^aP < 0.05, ^bP < 0.01, ^cP < 0.001 indicating statistical significance. HO: Hypothyroid group; PTU: Propylthiouracil; ZO-1: Zonula occludens-1.