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Al-Mousawi M, Salih S, Ahmed A, Abdullah B. Serum Vitamin B12 and Holotranscobalamin Levels in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients in Relation to Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels and the Positivity of Anti-thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies: A Case-Control Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e61513. [PMID: 38957249 PMCID: PMC11217715 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, while thyroid hormones (free thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3)) remain within the reference ranges. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is common in patients with autoimmune disorders, including autoimmune hypothyroidism. The study was aimed at evaluating serum vitamin B12 levels and holotranscobalamin (HoloTC) levels in SCH patients and ascertaining their association with a risky level of TSH and the positivity of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies. Methodology A case-control study was conducted at Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok, a city in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, involving 153 participants, including 72 newly diagnosed SCH patients and 81 healthy controls. Serum levels of vitamin B12, HoloTC, TSH, free T4, free T3, and anti-TPO antibodies were measured based on different principles. Results The mean age of patients with SCH was 32.87±8.7 years, with predominantly females comprising 75% and 77.8% being less than 40 years of age. Moreover, the mean levels of serum TSH (6.96±2.68 µIU/L), anti-TPO antibodies (53.31±81.32 IU/ml), and HoloTC (41.93±19.42 pmol/l) were significantly higher in patients with SCH compared to healthy control participants (p < 0.05), whereas there was a non-significantly higher level of vitamin B12(320.72±98.42 pg/ml) among SCH patients compared to healthy control participants (p = 0.220). The mean levels of vitamin B12 (345.33±103.22 pg/ml) and HoloTC (40.14±18.16 pmol/l) were insignificantly lower in SCH patients with TSH levels more than 7 µIU/L (p > 0.05), as well as the mean levels of vitamin B12 (308.82±96.12 pg/ml) and HoloTC (41.14±19.29 pmol/l) insignificantly lower in SCH patients with positive anti-TPO antibodies (p > 0.05). Conclusions This study highlights the potential association between SCH and altered vitamin B12 status, particularly evident in HoloTC levels. The presence of positive anti-TPO antibodies and the degree of elevation in TSH levels may exacerbate vitamin B12 deficiency in SCH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sherwan Salih
- Medical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, IRQ
| | - Ameer Ahmed
- Hematology, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, IRQ
| | - Barhav Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Duhok, Duhok, IRQ
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Dułak NA, Rytlewska M, Jaskólska M, Chmielewski M. A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:737-741. [PMID: 38294542 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05539-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is common in patients with rheumatic diseases. Pernicious anemia is a well-known cause, but recent reports suggest that autoimmune-derived deficiency may not be limited to this cause alone. Symptoms of low vitamin B12 concentration are often deceptive, mimicking and overlapping with symptoms of other conditions. Neuropsychiatric manifestations, anemia, and fatigue are frequently attributed to a rheumatic disease without further evaluation. In this study, we present three cases of patients with neuropathic pain, depression, fatigue, and muscle weakness, initially attributed to a rheumatic disease, which almost completely resolved after implementing vitamin B12 supplementation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current scientific reports regarding the potential use of cobalamin in rheumatology. Treatment of pain and neuropathy, often very challenging in long-lasting rheumatic diseases, can be more effective after a course of vitamin B12, even when no apparent deficiency is detected in laboratory tests. Considering recent research demonstrating vitamin B12's nerve-protecting properties, we recommend that physicians should assess vitamin B12 levels early in the diagnostic process of rheumatic diseases. In specific cases, physicians should consider cobalamin supplementation regardless of vitamin B12 serum concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Aleksandra Dułak
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Rytlewska
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marta Jaskólska
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Michał Chmielewski
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Duntas LH. Nutrition and thyroid disease. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:324-329. [PMID: 37578378 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review was to determine, based on the most recent findings, the involvement of trace elements and vitamins critical for thyroid function and combating thyroid disease. RECENT FINDINGS Nutritional guidance is pivotal to reducing the risk of thyroid disease and to managing it when it arises, this meaning the prescription of diets rich in such micronutrients as iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, and vitamins B12, D3, and A. Most of the above micronutrients are good antioxidants, building up an anti-inflammatory profile, reducing thyroid autoantibodies and body fat, and improving thyroid function. Diets are increasingly being prescribed, especially for those suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Notable among prescribed diets is the Mediterranean diet. Rich in critical elements, it benefits patients at the immune endocrine and biomolecular levels. SUMMARY Importantly, it is likely that widespread adherence to the Mediterranean diet, together with a reduction of meat consumption and potential elimination of gluten and lactose may improve inflammation and have an impact on public health while possibly diminishing thyroiditis symptoms. It is hoped that this review can direct policymakers towards undertaking cost-effective interventions to minimize deficiency of essential minerals and vitamins and thus protect both general and thyroid health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas H Duntas
- Evgenideion Hospital, Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Thyroid Section, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Ruggeri RM, Barbalace MC, Croce L, Malaguti M, Campennì A, Rotondi M, Cannavò S, Hrelia S. Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders: The Mediterranean Diet as a Protective Choice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3953. [PMID: 37764737 PMCID: PMC10535745 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid diseases are on the rise worldwide, and such a rapid increase is mainly driven by environmental factors related to changed lifestyles in "modern" societies. In this context, diet seems to play a crucial role. An unhealthy high-energy diet, rich in animal fat and proteins, salt and refined sugars (the so-called "Western diet") negatively influences the risk of autoimmunity by altering the immune balance and the gut microbiota composition, enhancing oxidative stress and promoting inflammation. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet represents a unique model of healthy eating, characterized by a high intake of food from vegetable sources, a low consumption of saturated fats in favor of unsaturated fats (mainly, olive oil), a moderate consumption of fish (typically, the small oily fishes) and dairy products, as well as a moderate consumption of wine at meals, and a low intake of meat. Thanks to its nutritional components, the Mediterranean Diet positively influences immune system function, gut microbiota composition, and redox homeostasis, exerting anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The present review was aimed at exploring the existing knowledge on the correlations between dietary habits and thyroid autoimmunity, to evaluate the role of the Mediterranean diet as a protective model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood DETEV “G. Barresi”, Endocrinology Unit, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Barbalace
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Laura Croce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Malaguti
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Alfredo Campennì
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Mario Rotondi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Salvatore Cannavò
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood DETEV “G. Barresi”, Endocrinology Unit, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Silvana Hrelia
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.B.); (S.H.)
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Gupta R, Choudhary S, Chatterjee T. A Study on Vitamin B12 Levels in Hypothyroid Patients Presenting to a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. Cureus 2023; 15:e44197. [PMID: 37767262 PMCID: PMC10521342 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is found to coexist in hypothyroid patients, causing the persistence of symptoms concomitant to both diseases even on adequate thyroxine supplementation. Primary objective To study vitamin B12 levels in patients with hypothyroidism. Secondary objective To study the clinical profile of patients with hypothyroidism with special reference to anemia, and to study the association between vitamin B12 deficiency with anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies in patients with hypothyroidism. Methods and results A single-centric cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of one year. Among 100 hypothyroid patients, 68% were found to be vitamin B12 deficient, among whom 73.5% were females. Of patients with raised anti-TPO antibodies, 78.6% had vitamin B12 deficiency (p = 0.01), while 78% of patients with raised anti-Tg antibodies were vitamin B12 deficient (p = 0.07). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of vitamin B12 with anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies was -0.302 (p = 0.002) and -0.253 (p = 0.011), respectively. Conclusion There is a predilection of hypothyroid patients toward developing anemia, with vitamin B12 deficiency as a major etiology. This finding can be correlated with the hematopoietic action of thyroid-stimulating hormones as well as autoimmune thyroid disease predisposing to pernicious anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Gupta
- Department of General Medicine, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, IND
| | - Sushma Choudhary
- Department of General Medicine, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, IND
| | - Trisha Chatterjee
- Department of General Medicine, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, IND
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Chung CW, Jung KY, Jung EH, Lee MJ, Park YJ, Lee JK, Ahn HY, Cho SW. Efficacy of selenium supplementation for mild-to-moderate Graves' ophthalmopathy in a selenium-sufficient area (SeGOSS trial): study protocol for a phase III, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled intervention trial. Trials 2023; 24:272. [PMID: 37060084 PMCID: PMC10103450 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic effect of selenium has been demonstrated in mild Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) in a European region where selenium status is suboptimal. However, there is a lack of evidence to support selenium use in selenium-sufficient areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of selenium in mild-to-moderate GO in selenium-sufficient South Korea. METHODS The SeGOSS trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label trial in South Korea. Eighty-four patients aged 19 years or older with mild-to-moderate GO will be randomized to receive either vitamin B complex alone or vitamin B complex with selenium for 6 months with three monthly follow-up visits. The primary outcome is comparison of the improvement in quality of life at 6 months from baseline between the control and selenium groups. The secondary outcomes are intergroup differences in changes in quality of life at 3 months, clinical activity of GO at 3 and 6 months, thyroid autoantibody titers at 3 and 6 months, and the response rate at 3 and 6 months from baseline. Quality of life will be measured by questionnaire for patients with GO, and the clinical activity of GO will be evaluated by the clinical activity score (CAS). A positive response is defined as either changes in the CAS < 0 or the changes in the GO-QOL score ≥ 6. DISCUSSION The SeGOSS study will evaluate the therapeutic potential of selenium for mild-to-moderate GO in a selenium-sufficient area and provide support in tailoring better treatment for GO. TRIAL REGISTRATION KCT0004040. Retrospectively registered on 5 June 2019. https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/14160 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae Won Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 101, Daehak-Ro, Jongro-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Yeun Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Joung Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 101, Daehak-Ro, Jongro-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Kyu Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Young Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 102, Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06973, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sun Wook Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 101, Daehak-Ro, Jongro-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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The Relationship between Gastrointestinal Health, Micronutrient Concentrations, and Autoimmunity: A Focus on the Thyroid. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173572. [PMID: 36079838 PMCID: PMC9460308 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173572] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is a lack of understanding of why many patients with thyroid dysfunction remain symptomatic despite being biochemically euthyroid. Gastrointestinal (GI) health is imperative for absorption of thyroid-specific nutrients as well as thyroid function directly. This comprehensive narrative review describes the impact of what the authors have conceptualized as the “nutrient–GI–thyroid axis”. Compelling evidence reveals how gastrointestinal health could be seen as the epicenter of thyroid-related care given that: (1) GI conditions can lower thyroid-specific nutrients; (2) GI care can improve status of thyroid-specific nutrients; (3) GI conditions are at least 45 times more common than hypothyroidism; (4) GI care can resolve symptoms thought to be from thyroid dysfunction; and (5) GI health can affect thyroid autoimmunity. A new appreciation for GI health could be the missing link to better nutrient status, thyroid status, and clinical care for those with thyroid dysfunction.
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