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Dietary high-fat lard intake induces thyroid dysfunction and abnormal morphology in rats
Shan-shan Shao1, Yuan-fei Zhao2, Yong-feng Song3
11] Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Ji-nan 250021, China [2] Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Ji-nan 250021, China.
Acta Pharmacologica Sinica
|September 30, 2014
Summary
High-fat lard diets disrupt thyroid function and structure in rats, leading to hormonal imbalances and cellular changes. Short-term dietary changes do not reverse these harmful effects on the thyroid gland.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Excess dietary fat can cause lipotoxicity in non-adipose tissues.
- Understanding the impact of specific fats, like lard, on organ function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary high-fat lard intake on rat thyroids.
- To assess if acute dietary modification can reverse these effects.
Main Methods:
- Rats were fed a high-fat lard diet for 24 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of either a normal or high-fat diet.
- Evaluated serum lipids, thyroid hormones (TT4, FT4, TSH), thyroid morphology via ultrasound, histology, and electron microscopy.
- Assessed thyroid hormone synthesis-related proteins (TTF-1, NIS).
Main Results:
- High-fat lard diet increased serum and thyroid triglycerides, decreased TT4 and FT4, and elevated TSH.
- Ultrasound showed enlarged thyroids with altered echotexture.
- Histology revealed follicular changes, and electron microscopy showed endoplasmic reticulum dilation and reduced cellular components.
- Thyroid hormone synthesis proteins TTF-1 and NIS were significantly reduced.
- Six weeks of normal diet did not reverse these thyroid alterations.
Conclusions:
- Dietary high-fat lard intake induces significant thyroid dysfunction and morphological changes in rats.
- These adverse thyroid effects are not reversible with short-term dietary modification.
