Supplementary thyroxine therapy in patients with hypothyroidism induced by long-term anticonvulsant therapy

Orphan nuclear receptors as targets for drug development

Orphan nuclear receptors regulate diverse biological processes. These important molecules are ligand-activated transcription factors that act as natural sensors for a wide range of steroid hormones and xenobiotic ligands. Because of their importance in regulating various novel signaling pathways, recent research has focused on identifying xenobiotics targeting these receptors for the treatment of multiple human diseases. In this review, we will highlight these receptors in several physiologic and pathophysiologic actions and demonstrate how their functions can be exploited for the successful development of newer drugs.

Carbamazepine, serum thyroid hormones and myocardial function in epileptic patients

Serum thyroid hormone and thyrotropin levels were assayed and the myocardial function was evaluated by measuring systolic time intervals both in 30 patients with epilepsy on long-term carbamazepine monotherapy and in 19 healthy volunteers. Serum thyroxine, free thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the patient group than in the control group and systolic time intervals were similar in both groups.

Effects of thyroid hormones on central nervous system in aging

Support for the many relationships between thyroid hormones and brain function comes from both laboratory and clinical studies. Studies in laboratory animals provide convincing evidence for a neuroregulatory role of thyroid hormones in the brain, suggesting that they may affect behavior. This notion is supported by human studies which have revealed that the effects of thyroid hormones on brain function are most important during the development and maturation of the brain; thereafter, age does not seem to critically affect brain-thyroid hormone relationships.