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Bazika-Gerasch B, Kumowski N, Enax-Krumova E, Kaisler M, Eitner LB, Maier C, Dietrich JW. Impaired autonomic function and somatosensory disturbance in patients with treated autoimmune thyroiditis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12358. [PMID: 38811750 PMCID: PMC11137073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63158-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite treatment with levothyroxine, hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) may be associated with reduced quality of life (QoL), an enigmatic condition referred to as "syndrome T". Peripheral neuropathy, described in untreated thyroid disease, could be a contributing mechanism. We analysed autonomic and somatosensory function in 29 patients with AIT and treated hypothyroidism and 27 healthy volunteers. They underwent heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and quantitative sensory testing (n = 28), comprising 13 parameters of small and large nerve fibre function and pain thresholds. Autonomic cardiovascular function was assessed in rest, deep respiration and orthostasis. Additionally, biomarkers for autoimmunity and thyroid function were measured. Anxiety, depression and QoL were assessed using validated questionnaires. 36% of the patients showed at least one sign of somatosensory small or large fibre dysfunction. 57% presented with mild hyperalgesia to at least one stimulus. Several markers of autonomic function and some detection thresholds were related to the antibody titres. Anxiety, depression scores and QoL correlated to antibody titres and HRV measures. Autonomic and somatosensory dysfunction indicate that in treated hypothyroidism and AIT a subgroup of patients suffers from neuropathic symptoms leading to impaired QoL. Additionally, mild hyperalgesia as a possible sensitisation phenomenon should be considered a target for symptomatic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Bazika-Gerasch
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/Hattingen, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Blankenstein, Im Vogelsang 5-11, 45527, Hattingen, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, NRW, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Nina Kumowski
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Aachen, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, NRW, Germany
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Miriam Kaisler
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Lynn Bernadette Eitner
- Pediatrics Department, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Christoph Maier
- Pediatrics Department, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Johannes W Dietrich
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/Hattingen, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Blankenstein, Im Vogelsang 5-11, 45527, Hattingen, NRW, Germany.
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, NRW, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
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Müller P, Leow MKS, Dietrich JW. Minor perturbations of thyroid homeostasis and major cardiovascular endpoints—Physiological mechanisms and clinical evidence. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:942971. [PMID: 36046184 PMCID: PMC9420854 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.942971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that thyroid dysfunction is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The pleiotropic action of thyroid hormones strongly impacts the cardiovascular system and affects both the generation of the normal heart rhythm and arrhythmia. A meta-analysis of published evidence suggests a positive association of FT4 concentration with major adverse cardiovascular end points (MACE), but this association only partially extends to TSH. The risk for cardiovascular death is increased in both subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical thyrotoxicosis. Several published studies found associations of TSH and FT4 concentrations, respectively, with major cardiovascular endpoints. Both reduced and elevated TSH concentrations predict the cardiovascular risk, and this association extends to TSH gradients within the reference range. Likewise, increased FT4 concentrations, but high-normal FT4 within its reference range as well, herald a poor outcome. These observations translate to a monotonic and sensitive effect of FT4 and a U-shaped relationship between TSH and cardiovascular risk. Up to now, the pathophysiological mechanism of this complex pattern of association is poorly understood. Integrating the available evidence suggests a dual etiology of elevated FT4 concentration, comprising both ensuing primary hypothyroidism and a raised set point of thyroid function, e. g. in the context of psychiatric disease, chronic stress and type 2 allostatic load. Addressing the association between thyroid homeostasis and cardiovascular diseases from a systems perspective could pave the way to new directions of research and a more personalized approach to the treatment of patients with cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Müller
- Department for Electrophysiology, Medical Hospital I, Klinikum Vest, Recklinghausen, NRW, Germany
| | - Melvin Khee-Shing Leow
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Metabolic Disorders Research Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Johannes W. Dietrich
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/Hattingen, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Blankenstein, Hattingen, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- *Correspondence: Johannes W. Dietrich
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Economic and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Are Predictors of Lower Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels in Hispanic/Latinx Adults with Euthyroidism-A Community-Based Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138142. [PMID: 35805800 PMCID: PMC9265905 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone abnormalities are among the most common endocrine disorders comorbidly suffered alongside metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and within the euthyroid range they may also impact other outcomes, such as mood disorders. This study aimed to observationally examine the relationship between TSH and social determinants of health and clinical measures in a euthyroid Hispanic/Latinx patient sample with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression disorders from a community health clinic. A needs assessment was completed using a random sample of 100 de-identified medical records of individuals who received free medical care, including mental health, at a community-based clinic. Those with low normal TSH (<2 mIU/L) compared with high normal TSH (≥2 mIU/L) had a greater odds of food insecurity (p = 0.016) and being at 100% of the federal poverty level (p = 0.015). The low normal TSH group had significantly higher fasting glucose (p = 0.046), hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.018), and total cholesterol (p = 0.034) compared with the high normal TSH group. In those with T2DM, individuals with low normal TSH had six-times greater odds of having high fasting glucose (p = 0.022) and high hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.029). These relationships warrant further study, to inform future public health policies and follow-up care for underserved and vulnerable communities.
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Theiler-Schwetz V, Benninger T, Trummer C, Pilz S, Reichhartinger M. Mathematical Modeling of Free Thyroxine Concentrations During Methimazole Treatment for Graves' Disease: Development and Validation of a Computer-Aided Thyroid Treatment Method. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:841888. [PMID: 35721705 PMCID: PMC9205409 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.841888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methimazole (MMI) is the first-line treatment for patients with Graves' disease (GD). While there are empirical recommendations for initial MMI doses, there is no clear guidance for subsequent MMI dose titrations. We aimed to (a) develop a mathematical model capturing the dynamics of free thyroxine (FT4) during MMI treatment (b), validate this model by use of numerical simulation in comparison with real-life patient data (c), develop the software application Digital Thyroid (DigiThy) serving either as a practice tool for treating virtual patients or as a decision support system with dosing recommendations for MMI, and (d) validate this software framework by comparing the efficacy of its MMI dosing recommendations with that from clinical endocrinologists. METHODS Based on concepts of automatic control and by use of optimization techniques, we developed two first order ordinary differential equations for modeling FT4 dynamics during MMI treatment. Clinical data from patients with GD derived from the outpatient clinic of Endocrinology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, were used to develop and validate this model. It was subsequently used to create the web-based software application DigiThy as a simulation environment for treating virtual patients and an autonomous computer-aided thyroid treatment (CATT) method providing MMI dosing recommendations. RESULTS Based on MMI doses, concentrations of FT4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb), a mathematical model with 8 patient-specific constants was developed. Predicted FT4 concentrations were not significantly different compared to the available consecutively measured FT4 concentrations in 9 patients with GD (52 data pairs, p=0.607). Treatment success of MMI dosing recommendations in 41 virtually generated patients defined by achieved target FT4 concentrations preferably with low required MMI doses was similar between CATT and usual care. Statistically, CATT was significantly superior (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our mathematical model produced valid FT4 predictions during MMI treatment in GD and provided the basis for the DigiThy application already serving as a training tool for treating virtual patients. Clinical trial data are required to evaluate whether DigiThy can be approved as a decision support system with automatically generated MMI dosing recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Theiler-Schwetz
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Benninger
- Institute of Automation and Control, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Trummer
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Pilz
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- *Correspondence: Stefan Pilz,
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Leysen H, Walter D, Christiaenssen B, Vandoren R, Harputluoğlu İ, Van Loon N, Maudsley S. GPCRs Are Optimal Regulators of Complex Biological Systems and Orchestrate the Interface between Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413387. [PMID: 34948182 PMCID: PMC8708147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
GPCRs arguably represent the most effective current therapeutic targets for a plethora of diseases. GPCRs also possess a pivotal role in the regulation of the physiological balance between healthy and pathological conditions; thus, their importance in systems biology cannot be underestimated. The molecular diversity of GPCR signaling systems is likely to be closely associated with disease-associated changes in organismal tissue complexity and compartmentalization, thus enabling a nuanced GPCR-based capacity to interdict multiple disease pathomechanisms at a systemic level. GPCRs have been long considered as controllers of communication between tissues and cells. This communication involves the ligand-mediated control of cell surface receptors that then direct their stimuli to impact cell physiology. Given the tremendous success of GPCRs as therapeutic targets, considerable focus has been placed on the ability of these therapeutics to modulate diseases by acting at cell surface receptors. In the past decade, however, attention has focused upon how stable multiprotein GPCR superstructures, termed receptorsomes, both at the cell surface membrane and in the intracellular domain dictate and condition long-term GPCR activities associated with the regulation of protein expression patterns, cellular stress responses and DNA integrity management. The ability of these receptorsomes (often in the absence of typical cell surface ligands) to control complex cellular activities implicates them as key controllers of the functional balance between health and disease. A greater understanding of this function of GPCRs is likely to significantly augment our ability to further employ these proteins in a multitude of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Leysen
- Receptor Biology Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (H.L.); (D.W.); (B.C.); (R.V.); (İ.H.); (N.V.L.)
| | - Deborah Walter
- Receptor Biology Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (H.L.); (D.W.); (B.C.); (R.V.); (İ.H.); (N.V.L.)
| | - Bregje Christiaenssen
- Receptor Biology Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (H.L.); (D.W.); (B.C.); (R.V.); (İ.H.); (N.V.L.)
| | - Romi Vandoren
- Receptor Biology Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (H.L.); (D.W.); (B.C.); (R.V.); (İ.H.); (N.V.L.)
| | - İrem Harputluoğlu
- Receptor Biology Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (H.L.); (D.W.); (B.C.); (R.V.); (İ.H.); (N.V.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, Çankaya, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Nore Van Loon
- Receptor Biology Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (H.L.); (D.W.); (B.C.); (R.V.); (İ.H.); (N.V.L.)
| | - Stuart Maudsley
- Receptor Biology Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (H.L.); (D.W.); (B.C.); (R.V.); (İ.H.); (N.V.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Deligiorgi MV, Siasos G, Vakkas L, Trafalis DT. Charting the Unknown Association of COVID-19 with Thyroid Cancer, Focusing on Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Call for Caution. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5785. [PMID: 34830939 PMCID: PMC8616091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conceived of as the "silver lining" of the dark cloud of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, lessons taught by this catastrophe should be leveraged by medical authorities and policy makers to optimize health care globally. A major lesson is that resilient health systems should absorb sudden shocks incited by overwhelming health emergencies without compromising the continuum of care of chronic diseases, especially of cancer. METHODS The present review dissects the association between COVID-19 and thyroid cancer (TC), especially with differentiated TC (DTC), focusing on available data, knowledge gaps, current challenges, and future perspectives. RESULTS Obesity has been incriminated in terms of both COVID-19 severity and a rising incidence of TC, especially of DTC. The current conceptualization of the pathophysiological landscape of COVID-19-(D)TC association implicates an interplay between obesity, inflammation, immunity, and oxidative stress. Whether COVID-19 could aggravate the health burden posed by (D)TC or vice versa has yet to be clarified. Improved understanding and harnessing of the pathophysiological landscape of the COVID-19-(D)TC association will empower a mechanism-guided, safe, evidence-based, and risk-stratified management of (D)TC in the COVID-19 era and beyond. CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary patient-centered decision-making will ensure high-quality (D)TC care for patients, with or without COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Deligiorgi
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit–Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (L.V.); (D.T.T.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Faculty of Mediine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Lampros Vakkas
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit–Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (L.V.); (D.T.T.)
| | - Dimitrios T. Trafalis
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit–Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (L.V.); (D.T.T.)
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Ahn SH, Seo DH, Cho Y, Jung M, Kim SH, Hong S. Different Relationships Between Thyrotropin and Muscle Strength According to Sex and Age in Euthyroid Koreans (The 6th Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2014-2015). Thyroid 2020; 30:1710-1717. [PMID: 32438894 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Changes in muscle mass and strength can be caused by multiple endocrine factors, including thyroid dysfunction. However, the relationship between thyroid function and muscle strength in euthyroid individuals is not clear. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between thyroid function and handgrip strength (HGS) in euthyroid Koreans, especially according to sex and age. Methods: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study from the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey including 2894 Koreans (1487 men and 1407 women) aged ≥19 years. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels were measured. HGS was measured using a digital grip strength dynamometer. Results: Serum TSH level, but not serum fT4 level, was significantly associated with HGS in men, but neither TSH nor fT4 level was associated with HGS in women. Serum TSH showed a negative association with HGS in men aged <65 years (n = 1376; β = -0.566, p = 0.008), but a positive association in men aged ≥65 years (n = 111; β = 1.158, p = 0.010) after adjusting for confounders. HGS decreased as TSH tertile increased in men aged <65 years (p for trend = 0.010), but increased with TSH tertile in men aged ≥65 years (p for trend = 0.009) after adjusting for confounders. Odds ratios (ORs) for the lowest quartile of HGS increased in the highest tertile of TSH among men aged <65 years (OR = 1.657 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.099-2.500], p = 0.006) and decreased in the highest tertile of TSH among men aged ≥65 years (OR = 0.176 [CI 0.032-0.966], p = 0.034) after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: In euthyroid Koreans, serum TSH levels were significantly associated with HGS only in men and this relationship was found to depend significantly on age. These findings suggest that age has a distinct influence on the effect of even subtle change of thyroid function on muscle strength in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hee Ahn
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hea Seo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongin Cho
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihye Jung
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hun Kim
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongbin Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Keestra S, Högqvist Tabor V, Alvergne A. Reinterpreting patterns of variation in human thyroid function: An evolutionary ecology perspective. Evol Med Public Health 2020; 9:93-112. [PMID: 34557302 PMCID: PMC8454515 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two hundred million people worldwide experience some form of thyroid disorder, with women being especially at risk. However, why human thyroid function varies between populations, individuals, and across the lifespan has attracted little research to date. This limits our ability to evaluate the conditions under which patterns of variation in thyroid function are best understood as 'normal' or 'pathological'. In this review, we aim to spark interest in research aimed at understanding the causes of variation in thyroid phenotypes. We start by assessing the biomedical literature on thyroid imbalance to discuss the validity of existing reference intervals for diagnosis and treatment across individuals and populations. We then propose an evolutionary ecological framework for understanding the phylogenetic, genetic, ecological, developmental, and physiological causes of normal variation in thyroid function. We build on this approach to suggest testable predictions for how environmental challenges interact with individual circumstances to influence the onset of thyroid disorders. We propose that dietary changes, ecological disruptions of co-evolutionary processes during pregnancy and with pathogens, emerging infections, and exacerbated stress responses can contribute to explaining the onset of thyroid diseases. For patients to receive the best personalized care, research into the causes of thyroid variation at multiple levels is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarai Keestra
- School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Amsterdam UMC, University of
Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
| | | | - Alexandra Alvergne
- School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- ISEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD,
EPHE, Montpellier, France
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Hirahara N, Nakamura HM, Sasaki S, Matsushita A, Ohba K, Kuroda G, Sakai Y, Shinkai S, Haeno H, Nishio T, Yoshida S, Oki Y, Suda T. Liganded T3 receptor β2 inhibits the positive feedback autoregulation of the gene for GATA2, a transcription factor critical for thyrotropin production. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227646. [PMID: 31940421 PMCID: PMC6961892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The serum concentration of thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH) is drastically reduced by small increase in the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and its prohormone, T4); however, the mechanism underlying this relationship is unknown. TSH consists of the chorionic gonadotropin α (CGA) and the β chain (TSHβ). The expression of both peptides is induced by the transcription factor GATA2, a determinant of the thyrotroph and gonadotroph differentiation in the pituitary. We previously reported that the liganded T3 receptor (TR) inhibits transactivation activity of GATA2 via a tethering mechanism and proposed that this mechanism, but not binding of TR with a negative T3-responsive element, is the basis for the T3-dependent inhibition of the TSHβ and CGA genes. Multiple GATA-responsive elements (GATA-REs) also exist within the GATA2 gene itself and mediate the positive feedback autoregulation of this gene. To elucidate the effect of T3 on this non-linear regulation, we fused the GATA-REs at -3.9 kb or +9.5 kb of the GATA2 gene with the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene harbored in its 1S-promoter. These constructs were co-transfected with the expression plasmids for GATA2 and the pituitary specific TR, TRβ2, into kidney-derived CV1 cells. We found that liganded TRβ2 represses the GATA2-induced transactivation of these reporter genes. Multi-dimensional input function theory revealed that liganded TRβ2 functions as a classical transcriptional repressor. Then, we investigated the effect of T3 on the endogenous expression of GATA2 protein and mRNA in the gonadotroph-derived LβT2 cells. In this cell line, T3 reduced GATA2 protein independently of the ubiquitin proteasome system. GATA2 mRNA was drastically suppressed by T3, the concentration of which corresponds to moderate hypothyroidism and euthyroidism. These results suggest that liganded TRβ2 inhibits the positive feedback autoregulation of the GATA2 gene; moreover this mechanism plays an important role in the potent reduction of TSH production by T3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Hirahara
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal medicine, Japanese Red Cross Shizuoka Hospital, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroko Misawa Nakamura
- Second Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shigekazu Sasaki
- Second Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Akio Matsushita
- Second Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Ohba
- Medical Education Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Go Kuroda
- Second Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Sakai
- Second Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shinkai
- Second Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Haeno
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo Kashiwa, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takuhiro Nishio
- Department of Integrated Human Sciences, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yoshida
- Department of Integrated Human Sciences, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Oki
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suda
- Second Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
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Hoermann R, Midgley JEM, Larisch R, Dietrich JW. Individualised requirements for optimum treatment of hypothyroidism: complex needs, limited options. Drugs Context 2019; 8:212597. [PMID: 31516533 PMCID: PMC6726361 DOI: 10.7573/dic.212597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Levothyroxine (LT4) therapy has a long history, a well-defined pharmacological profile and a favourable safety record in the alleviation of hypothyroidism. However, questions remain in defining the threshold for the requirement of treatment in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, assessing the dose adequacy of the drug, and selecting the best treatment mode (LT4 monotherapy versus liothyronine [LT3]/LT4 combinations) for subpopulations with persisting complaints. Supplied as a prodrug, LT4 is enzymatically converted into the biologically more active thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3). Importantly, tetraiodothyronine (T4) to T3 conversion efficiency may be impaired in patients receiving LT4, resulting in a loss of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-mediated feed-forward control of T3, alteration of the interlocking equilibria between serum concentrations of TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyonine (FT3), and a decrease in FT3 to FT4 ratios. This downgrades the value of the TSH reference system derived in thyroid health for guiding the replacement dose in the treatment situation. Individualised conditionally defined setpoints may therefore provide appropriate biochemical targets to be clinically tested, together with a stronger focus on clinical presentation and future endpoint markers of tissue thyroid state. This cautionary note encompasses the use of aggregated statistical data from clinical trials which are not safely applicable to the individual level of patient care under these circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Hoermann
- Department for Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Lüdenscheid, Paulmannshöherstr. 14, 58515 Lüdenscheid, Germany
| | | | - Rolf Larisch
- Department for Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Lüdenscheid, Paulmannshöherstr. 14, 58515 Lüdenscheid, Germany
| | - Johannes W Dietrich
- Medical Department I, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Bergmannsheil University Hospitals, Ruhr University of Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.,Ruhr Center for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University of Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Germany
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Calsolaro V, Niccolai F, Pasqualetti G, Calabrese AM, Polini A, Okoye C, Magno S, Caraccio N, Monzani F. Overt and Subclinical Hypothyroidism in the Elderly: When to Treat? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:177. [PMID: 30967841 PMCID: PMC6438852 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is characterized by increased thyrotropin (TSH) levels and reduced free thyroid hormone fractions while, subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) by elevated serum TSH in the face of normal thyroid hormones. The high frequency of hypothyroidism among the general population in Western Countries made levothyroxine (LT4) one of the 10 most prescribed drugs. However, circulating TSH has been demonstrated to increase with aging, regardless the existence of an actual thyroid disease. Thus, when confronting an increase in circulating TSH levels in the elderly, especially in the oldest old, it is important to carry an appropriate diagnostic path, comprehensive of clinical picture as well as laboratory and imaging techniques. In the current review, we summarize the recommendations for a correct diagnostic workup and therapeutic approach to older people with elevated TSH value, with special attention to the presence of frailty, comorbidities, and poly-therapy. The treatment of choice for hypothyroid patients is hormone replacement with LT4 but, it is important to consider multiple factors before commencing the therapy, from the age dependent TSH increase to the presence of an actual thyroid disease and comorbidities. When treatment is necessary, a tailored therapy should be chosen, considering poly-pharmacy and frailty. A careful follow-up and treatment re-assessment should be always considered to avoid the risk of over-treatment. It is important to stress the need of educating the patient for a correct administration of LT4, particularly when poly-therapy is in place, and the importance of a tailored therapeutic approach and follow-up, to avoid overtreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calsolaro
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Neurology Imaging Unit, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Valeria Calsolaro
| | - Filippo Niccolai
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pasqualetti
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessia Maria Calabrese
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Polini
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chukwuma Okoye
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Magno
- Obesity Center at the Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nadia Caraccio
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Monzani
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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