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Boron - A potential goiterogen?
Elizaveta V Popova1, Alexey A Tinkov2, Olga P Ajsuvakova3
1Orenburg State Medical University, Orenburg, Russia; St Joseph University in Tanzania, St Joseph College of Health Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
Medical Hypotheses
|July 5, 2017
Summary
High boron exposure may contribute to goiter and hypothyroidism. Research suggests boron overload could impair thyroid function, potentially leading to endemic goiter formation in certain regions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Environmental Health
- Trace Element Research
Background:
- Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) encompass various health issues, including hypothyroidism and endemic goiter (EG).
- Thyroid health is influenced by iodine status, micronutrients, goiterogens, and trace elements.
- Boron's role as a potential goiterogen, particularly in cases of overexposure, warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the hypothesis that boron overexposure may act as a goiterogen, contributing to goiter formation.
- To investigate the potential impact of boron on thyroid physiology and hormone synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies examining the association between boron levels and thyroid function markers.
- Analysis of experimental data on boron's effects on thyroid structure and hormone levels.
- Consideration of the chemical properties of iodine and boron in relation to thyroid activity.
Main Results:
- Studies indicate a negative association between serum/urinary boron levels and thyroid hormone levels in exposed individuals.
- Boron levels correlate with thyroid volume in children exposed to environmental boron.
- Experimental studies demonstrate boron's significant impact on thyroid structure and hormone regulation.
- Boron accumulation in the thyroid suggests it as a potential target organ for boron's activity.
Conclusions:
- Boron overexposure is a potential contributing factor to hypothyroidism and endemic goiter.
- Further clinical and experimental research is necessary to confirm the mechanisms of boron's involvement in goiter formation.
- Elucidating these mechanisms could aid in managing thyroid disorders in regions with high environmental boron levels.
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