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Antithyroid effects of coal-derived pollutants
R H Lindsay1, J B Hill, E Gaitan
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Water pollution from coal and shale contains potent goitrogens that can disrupt thyroid function. These compounds, like dihydroxyphenols, can significantly inhibit thyroid peroxidase and amplify antithyroid effects when combined.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Endemic goiter in certain regions is linked to watersheds containing coal and shale.
- These geological materials are suspected sources of water-borne goitrogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antithyroid activities of coal and shale extracts.
- To identify and assay specific compounds from coal effluents for their impact on thyroid function.
Main Methods:
- Assays using thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroid slice systems.
- Identification and quantification of water-soluble compounds in coal effluents.
- Comparative potency analysis against 6-propylthiouracil (PTU).
Main Results:
- Aqueous extracts of coal and black shale significantly inhibited TPO and 125I organification.
- Dihydroxyphenols (resorcinol, methylresorcinols) were potent inhibitors, exceeding PTU's activity.
- Combinations of goitrogens showed additive to synergistic antithyroid effects.
Conclusions:
- Coal and shale are sources of potent water-borne goitrogens.
- Contamination of water supplies with these compounds poses a significant risk for thyroid disorders.
- Synergistic effects of multiple goitrogens can amplify thyroid disruption.