Vitamin E ameliorates iodine-induced cytotoxicity in thyroid

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Excessive iodine intake can cause thyroid cytotoxicity.
• Oxidative stress is a proposed mechanism behind iodine-induced thyroid damage.
• Vitamin E (VE) is a potent antioxidant with potential protective effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of vitamin E (VE) against iodine-induced thyroid cytotoxicity.
• To determine the optimal dosage of VE for ameliorating iodine-induced thyroid damage.

Main Methods:

• Rats were fed a low-iodine diet to induce goiter, followed by iodine supplementation with or without varying doses of VE.
• Thyroid epithelial cell ultrastructure, gland weights, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed.
• Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of specific proteins related to oxidative damage and immune response.

Main Results:

• Iodine supplementation led to severe thyroid epithelial cell injuries and increased oxidative stress markers.
• VE supplementation attenuated iodine-induced thyroid cytotoxicity, with a 50-fold dose showing optimal effects.
• While VE reduced cytotoxicity, it did not significantly alter the weight of the iodine-induced involuting glands.

Conclusions:

• Excess iodine causes significant thyroid damage, partly mediated by oxidative stress.
• Vitamin E supplementation offers partial protection against iodine-induced thyroid cytotoxicity.
• The findings highlight the potential role of antioxidants in managing iodine-induced thyroid injury.