Exploring the Interplay Between Hypothyroidism and the Antioxidant Defense System: The role of Oxidative Stress in Thyroid Dysfunctiona and Cellular Homeostasis

Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders are one of the leading health issues in the world, with its increased prevalence, and the overall effect on metabolic, endocrine, and cellular activities. There is growing evidence indicating that oxidative stress is an essential factor in the occurrence and development of thyroid dysfunction. The study of changes in thyroid hormones and antioxidant protection enzymes can be a useful method to obtain insights into the pathology of the disease.
Aim: The paper has evaluated serum levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) and the enzyme activities of major antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) between patients with thyroid disorders and healthy adults.
Methods: There was a recruitment of 410 clinically proven thyroid individuals and 230 healthy controls of the same age. The level of thyroid hormones in blood samples was measured by standardized immunoassays system, whereas the antioxidant enzyme activities were measured by validated spectrophotometry. The t-test conducted by Welch was used to assess the group differences.
Results:
Patients exhibited a markedly reduced mean T4 concentration (52.4 ± 8.5 ng/mL) versus controls (90.4 ± 14.3 ng/mL). Conversely, T3 and TSH levels were significantly elevated (3.36 ± 1.07 vs. 1.43 ± 0.58 ng/mL; 6.88 ± 2.11 vs. 1.92 ± 0.97 µIU/mL, respectively; P < 0.0001). Antioxidant activity was substantially impaired among patients, with significant reductions in SOD, CAT, and GPx values.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that there is an evident distortion of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in the disease patients with thyroid disorders and demonstrate the high level of state of oxidative imbalance. Evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers and hormonal ones could help to improve the diagnostic accuracy and facilitate the application of more holistic approaches to thyroid disease management.