Thyroid hormones and cardiac remodeling

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Thyroid hormones exert significant cardioprotective effects.
• These actions are mediated primarily by triiodothyronine (T3) binding to thyroid receptors alpha1 (α1) and beta1 (β1).
• Thyroid hormones possess procontractile, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the cardioprotective and anti-remodeling actions of thyroid hormones.
• To summarize findings from both animal and human studies regarding thyroid hormone effects on the heart.
• To define cardiac remodeling in the context of heart disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing animal studies, primarily in rodents, investigating thyroid hormone effects on cardiac structure and function.
• Analysis of clinical studies, including those in patients with dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy (DIPTA), to assess human relevance.
• Examination of the specific impact of thyroid hormones on the cardiac border zone.

Main Results:

• Thyroid hormones promote angiogenesis, regeneration, and exhibit beneficial effects on microRNA profiles.
• Numerous animal studies demonstrate anti-remodeling effects of thyroid hormones.
• Clinical studies in humans, specifically in DIPTA, have provided conclusions on these effects.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid hormones, acting via T3 receptors, offer multifaceted cardioprotection.
• Evidence from animal and human studies supports the anti-remodeling role of thyroid hormones in the heart.
• Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies for heart conditions characterized by remodeling.