Association of Antioxidants in Thyroid Dysfunction

Abstract

Hyperthyroidism is caused by the thyroid glands producing an excessive amount of a hormone called thyroxine. Hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's requirements. Excessive oxidative stress controls the immune system and contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders such as increased inflammation, proapoptotic effect and breaking down the immunological tolerance. MDA estimates the damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in biological membranes produces MDA, a highly reactive aldehyde. The MDA level has increased due to increasing oxidative stress.

The present study aimed to estimate the levels of Total antioxidants, SOD, MDA, T3,T4 and TSH in hypo and hyperthyroidism. Serum samples were collected from the hypo and hyperthyroid patients. Serum samples were analyzed for the levels of Total antioxidants, SOD, MDA, T3,T4 and TSH in hypo and hyperthyroidism. Out of these patients 15 were hypothyroid, and 15 were hyperthyroid. 30 normal samples were also estimated for the said parameters. The mean age of the patients with hypothyroidism was 38.52±8.20, hyperthyroidism was 35.68 ±9.48 and normal control was 37.56 ± 8.30. In this study, we found a significant decrease in the levels of total antioxidants in both hypo and hyperthyroidism patients compared to the control group. The patients with hyperthyroidism showed a significant increase in SOD activity while patients with hypothyroidism showed a marginal decrease. We observed a significant increase in the levels of MDA in patients with hypo and hyperthyroidism. We observed a significant decrease in the level of T3 and T4 in hypothyroidism and an increased level in hyperthyroidism. Significantly increased levels of TSH in hypothyroidism and decreased levels in hyperthyroidism were observed.

Estimating the levels of thyroid hormones and antioxidant enzymes in the serum could provide better therapeutic management in thyroid disorders.