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Trace element levels in hashimoto thyroiditis patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Muhammed Erdal1, Mustafa Sahin, Adnan Hasimi
1Department of Family Medicine, Gulhane School of Medicine, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey.
Biological Trace Element Research
|March 7, 2008
Summary
Subclinical hypothyroidism patients show lower selenium and iron, and higher magnesium levels. Selenium deficiency may increase cardiovascular disease risk, as hormone therapy did not alter these trace element levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is a condition characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with normal free thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
- Trace elements play crucial roles in thyroid hormone metabolism and overall health.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is a known concern in patients with hypothyroidism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum copper, zinc, magnesium, and selenium levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
- To investigate the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on these trace element levels.
- To explore the relationship between selenium levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a marker of inflammation and CVD risk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing trace element levels (copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium) in patients with SH and a control group.
- Measurement of serum levels of these elements using appropriate biochemical assays.
- Correlation analysis between selenium levels and hsCRP.
- Comparison of trace element levels before and after HRT to achieve euthyroidism.
Main Results:
- Patients with SH exhibited significantly lower basal serum selenium and iron levels compared to controls.
- Serum magnesium levels were significantly higher in the SH patient group.
- A significant negative correlation was observed between serum selenium levels and hsCRP.
- HsCRP levels were significantly higher in SH patients with selenium levels below 80 microg/L.
- No significant changes in trace element levels were observed after achieving euthyroidism with HRT.
Conclusions:
- Selenium deficiency is prevalent in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and may be associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Magnesium levels are elevated in SH patients.
- Hormone replacement therapy does not appear to normalize the altered trace element status in SH patients.
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