Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
04:39
Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
2.5K
[Exposure to nitrates in drinking water and its association with thyroid gland dysfunction]
Rodrigo Donoso M1, Sandra Cortés A1
1Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|July 13, 2018
Summary
Nitrate exposure from drinking water may cause thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and potential cancer. This review highlights the need to regulate nitrates as a critical contaminant for public health protection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Nitrate exposure is a potential risk factor for thyroid gland dysfunction.
- Understanding this association is crucial for public health.
- Drinking water is a primary source of nitrate exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review scientific literature on the link between nitrates in drinking water and thyroid dysfunction.
- To assess the evidence for nitrate's role in thyroid pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across major databases (Medline, Cochrane, Lilacs, IBECS, Scielo).
- Inclusion of 12 relevant studies after rigorous filtering and review of 66 initial findings.
Main Results:
- Evidence in animals and humans suggests nitrates can cause pathological changes in the thyroid gland.
- Association found with subclinical hypothyroidism and potential thyroid cancer.
- Nitrate is not currently a regulated contaminant in Chile, lacking routine monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Nitrate should be considered a critical contaminant due to its health implications.
- Implementing policies for nitrate measurement and control would benefit public health.
- Quantifying health impacts, especially in vulnerable populations, is essential.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
7.7K
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
7.7K
01:20Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Nitration of Benzene
8.6K
The nitration of benzene is an example of an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. It involves the formation of a very powerful electrophile, the nitronium ion, which is linear in shape. The reaction occurs through the interaction of two strong acids, sulfuric and nitric acid.
8.6K
01:16Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
1.6K
In cardiovascular health, antianginal drugs combat angina pectoris — a condition marked by chest pain owing to diminished blood flow to the heart.
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow....
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow....
1.6K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
9.5K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
9.5K
01:27Associative Learning
1.3K
Associative learning is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology, wherein a connection is established between two stimuli or events, leading to a learned response. This process is critical in understanding how behaviors are acquired and modified. Conditioning, the mechanism through which associations are formed, can be divided into two main types: classical conditioning and operant conditioning, each elucidating different aspects of associative learning.
Classical conditioning, also known...
Classical conditioning, also known...
1.3K
01:18Functions of Thyroid Hormones
5.7K
The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
5.7K