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Salas-Lucia F. Mapping Thyroid Hormone Action in the Human Brain. Thyroid 2024; 34:815-826. [PMID: 38757586 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2024.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Background: Normal brain development, mood, and cognitive functions depend on thyroid hormone (TH) action. However, little is known about how TH mediates its actions in the human brain. This is due to limited access to human brains deprived of TH during fetal and early postnatal life, as well as from adults with altered thyroid status. One way to partially bypass these limitations is by using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, two neuroimaging techniques that provide detailed, noninvasive information on human brain structure and function. Another way is using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs)-derived three-dimensional in vitro systems, known as brain organoids, which allow for the study of fundamental aspects of the early stages of human brain development. Summary: This narrative review focuses on neuroimaging and brain organoid studies. Neuroimaging of human brains performed in individuals with different thyroid conditions provides information on the volume, myelination, blood flow, neural activity, and connectivity of different areas. Such studies show that suboptimal thyroid status can impact human brain development and its normal function throughout life. This is true not only for patients with sporadic congenital hypothyroidism, during pregnancy or early after birth, but also for adult patients with hypo- or hyperthyroidism, patients carrying mutations that manifest as impaired sensitivity to TH, and even for normal individuals during aging. Studies using brain organoids generated from hiPSCs of healthy individuals or patients with thyroid genetic conditions provide insights into how TH can impact the early development of the human cerebral cortex. Conclusions: The developmental alterations in children born to mothers with different degrees of gestational hypothyroidism or who developed hypothyroidism early in life are remarkable, affecting multiple brain regions and pathways, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, interhemispheric and corticospinal tracts, and associative nuclei. The data connecting such changes to poor neurological outcomes in adult patients with hypothyroidism represent an objective link between thyroid-specific functional brain alterations and behavior. Growing brain organoids require TH, which is critical for human neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis. These models have proven useful in screening drugs with potential therapeutic effects for patients with genetic thyroid diseases.
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Genç B, Aslan K, Avcı U, İncesu L, Günbey HP. Opposing effects of thyroid hormones on hypothalamic subunits and limbic structures in hyperthyroidism patients: A comprehensive volumetric study. J Neuroendocrinol 2024; 36:e13369. [PMID: 38326952 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones play a critical role in brain development, but paradoxically, patients with hyperthyroidism often exhibit cognitive decline and irritability. This study aims to explore the pattern of atrophy in hyperthyroid patients, changes in specific areas of the brain, including hypothalamic subfields and limbic structures, and their relationships with hormonal levels and psychometric tests. This prospective cross-sectional study involves 19 newly diagnosed, untreated hyperthyroid patients, and 15 age and gender-matched control subjects. The participants underwent psychometric and cognitive tests and volumetric MRI. The hypothalamic subfield (anterior-inferior, anterior-superior, superior-tubular, inferior-tubular, and posterior hypothalamus) and limbic structures (fornix, basal forebrain, nucleus accumbens, and septal nucleus) were segmented using voxel-based morphometry, surface-based morphometry, and deep learning algorithms. The groups were compared using the t-test, and correlation analyses were performed between clinical parameters and volumetric measurements. The correlation between hormonal parameters and volumetric measurements in patient and control groups was assessed with the Meng test. Hyperthyroid patients displayed widespread grey matter loss and sulcal shallowing in the left hemisphere. However, no local gyrification index changes or cortical thickness variations were detected. The limbic structures and hypothalamic subunits did not show any volume discrepancies. Free thyroxine in the patient group negatively correlated with bilateral anterior-inferior and right septal nucleus, but positively correlated with left anterior-inferior in the control group. Thyroid stimulating hormone in the patient group showed a positive correlation with bilateral fornix volume, a correlation absent in the control group. Disease duration negatively correlated with right anterior-inferior, right tubular inferior, and right septal nucleus. Changes in cognitive and psychometric test scores in the patient group correlated with the bilateral septal nucleus volume. Hyperthyroidism primarily leads to a reduction in grey matter volume and sulcal shallowing. Thyroid hormones have differing volumetric effects in limbic structures and hypothalamic subunits under physiological and hyperthyroid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Genç
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Kerim Aslan
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Uğur Avcı
- Department of Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Lütfi İncesu
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Hediye Pınar Günbey
- Department Radiology, University of Health Sciences, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Holmberg M, Malmgren H, Berglund PF, Johansson B, Nyström HF. Psychiatric complications in Graves' disease. Eur Thyroid J 2024; 13:e230247. [PMID: 38215285 PMCID: PMC10895301 DOI: 10.1530/etj-23-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mood disorders are common in Graves' disease despite treatment. The pathogenic mechanisms involved are unknown and so is whether previous psychiatric disease influences these symptoms. Methods This is a longitudinal study conducted in Sweden on 65 women with newly diagnosed Graves' disease and 65 matched controls. Participants were examined during hyperthyroidism and after 15 months of treatment. Examinations included blood sampling, and psychiatric testing with the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale for Affective Syndromes and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV - Axis I Disorders. We also performed two analyses of a national population-based registry to determine previous psychiatric diagnoses and previous prescriptions of psychoactive drugs in (i) all patients we asked to participate and (ii) all Swedish women given a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism during 2013-2018, comparing them to matched controls. Results There was no increased previous psychiatric comorbidity in Graves' patients compared to controls. There was no higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and prescriptions of psychoactive drugs between (i) included GD patients compared to those who declined participation and (ii) women with a hyperthyroidism diagnosis in 5 years prior to their diagnosis, compared to matched controls. Depression scores and anxiety scores were higher in patients compared to controls both during hyperthyroidism (depression (median (IQR): 7.5 (5.0-9.5) vs 1.0 (0.5-2.5) P < 0.001), anxiety: 7.7 (5.0-11) vs 2.5 (1.0-4.0) P < 0.001) and after treatment (depression: 2.5 (1.5-5.0) vs 1.5 (0.5-3.5) P < 0.05), anxiety: 4.0 (2.5-7.5) vs 3.0 (1.5-5.0) P < 0.05). Patients with a previous psychiatric condition, mild eye symptoms, and a younger age had more anxiety at 15 months compared to patients without these symptoms and a higher age (all p<0.05). Conclusion Graves' disease affects patients' mood despite treatment. A previous psychiatric condition, mild eye symptoms, and a younger age increase the vulnerability for long-lasting symptoms and require specific attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Holmberg
- ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital, Norra Stationsgatan 69, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Wallenberg's Centre of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Helge Malmgren
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Peter F Berglund
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Johansson
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Helena Filipsson Nyström
- Wallenberg's Centre of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Centre for Person Centred-Care (GPCC), Göteborg, Sweden
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Lindo A, Breikert A, Lakwijk P, Lundberg C, Lunner K, Johansson B, Filipsson Nyström H. Patient needs and care: moves toward person-centered care for Graves' disease in Sweden. Eur Thyroid J 2023; 12:e230010. [PMID: 36912797 PMCID: PMC10160562 DOI: 10.1530/etj-23-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Graves' disease (GD) not only need appropriate medical care, but they also need to be cared for. The aim of this review is to examine the literature on GD patient needs, expectations, perceptions, and quality of life. We will also present methods for patient care, define gaps in knowledge, and suggest factors that can be introduced into the regular care of GD patients. Patient information, teamwork with thyroid/contact nurses, education of personnel and patients, quality of life measurements, and the formation of a rehabilitation program have enough evidence to be implemented into regular care. However, visualizing patient needs through person-centered care requires further evaluation in GD patients before being implemented in routine care. We conclude that considerable improvement in nursing can be achieved in relation to GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Lindo
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- The National Task Force in Hyperthyroidism, Swedish National System for Knowledge-Driven Management, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anne Breikert
- The National Task Force in Hyperthyroidism, Swedish National System for Knowledge-Driven Management, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Peter Lakwijk
- The National Task Force in Hyperthyroidism, Swedish National System for Knowledge-Driven Management, Umeå, Sweden
- Thyroid Federation International, Kungsbacka, Sweden
| | - Christin Lundberg
- The National Task Force in Hyperthyroidism, Swedish National System for Knowledge-Driven Management, Umeå, Sweden
- Swedish Thyroid Association, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Lunner
- The National Task Force in Hyperthyroidism, Swedish National System for Knowledge-Driven Management, Umeå, Sweden
- Swedish Thyroid Association, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Johansson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Helena Filipsson Nyström
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- The National Task Force in Hyperthyroidism, Swedish National System for Knowledge-Driven Management, Umeå, Sweden
- Sweden and Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Västra Götaland Region, Göteborg, Sweden
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Reda H. Neurologic Complications of Endocrine Disorders. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2023; 29:887-902. [PMID: 37341334 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article provides an overview of the neurologic complications of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in adults with an emphasis on relevant neurologic symptoms, signs, and laboratory and neuroimaging findings. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Although the mechanisms of many of the neurologic complications discussed here remain unclear, our understanding of the impacts of diabetes and hypothyroidism on the nervous system and muscle, including complications of rapid correction of chronic hyperglycemia, has advanced in recent years. Recent large studies have not demonstrated a convincing association between subclinical or overt hypothyroidism and cognitive decline. ESSENTIAL POINTS Neurologists must become familiar with the neurologic complications of endocrine disorders not only because they are common and treatable (and often reversible) but also because they may be iatrogenic, as is the case with adrenal insufficiency in the setting of long-term corticosteroid therapy.
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Relationship between thyroid hormones and central nervous system metabolism in physiological and pathological conditions. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:847-858. [PMID: 35771431 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00377-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) play an important role in the regulation of energy metabolism. They also take part in processes associated with the central nervous system (CNS), including survival and differentiation of neurons and energy expenditure. It has been reported that a correlation exists between the functioning of the thyroid gland and the symptoms of CNS such as cognitive impairment, depression, and dementia. Literature data also indicate the influence of THs on the pathogenesis of CNS diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's disease. This review describes the relationship between THs and metabolism in the CNS, the effect of THs on the pathological conditions of the CNS, and novel options for treating these conditions with TH derivatives.
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Johansson B. Screening Method for Assessment of Work Ability for Patients Suffering From Mental Fatigue. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:869377. [PMID: 35775012 PMCID: PMC9237561 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.869377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological mental fatigue adversely affects endurance in the performance of tasks over time, with negative impact on work ability. There are currently no methods for objectively assessing work ability for patients suffering from mental fatigue. In this study, work ability in relation to mental fatigue as a screening method was evaluated, using the Work Ability Index (WAI) and Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS). Included participants represented three patient groups commonly affected by mental fatigue; acquired brain injury (n = 49, traumatic brain injury, stroke), burn-out syndrome (55) and hypothyroidism (50). The results showed a significant correlation between WAI and MFS (r = –0.754) and status in the workplace (WAI r = 0.722, MFS r = –0.443) for all groups. The WAI and MFS were significant predictors for status in the workplace (p < 0.001) and explained 53% of the variance. This screening method can help health care professionals to identify people who are mentally fatigued with a reduced ability to work or return to work after illness, and who are in need of in-depth investigation. It is important to initiate treatment early with the aim of promoting a sustainable working life and general well-being of the individual.
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