Effects of phytochemicals on thyroid function and their possible role in thyroid disease

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Thyroid hormone deficiency affects approximately 10% of women, especially those over 60.
• Thyroid diseases involve disruptions in thyroid signaling homeostasis, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and cancer.
• Phytochemicals, plant-derived compounds, exhibit varied effects on thyroid function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the role of phytochemicals in modulating thyroid signaling.
• To explore the potential beneficial or detrimental effects of phytochemicals on thyroid disease risk.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on phytochemicals and thyroid function.
• Analysis of studies on flavonoids and thyroid-related enzymes/proteins.
• Examination of research on specific compounds like myricetin, quercetin, and curcumin.

Main Results:

• Some flavonoids may disrupt thyroid function by altering enzyme and protein activity.
• Certain phytochemicals (myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, rutin, genistein, curcumin) demonstrate beneficial effects.
• These beneficial compounds may serve as adjuvants in thyroid cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Phytochemicals have a complex role in thyroid signaling modulation.
• Dietary intake of certain phytochemical-rich foods may influence thyroid disease risk.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the dual role of phytochemicals in thyroid health and disease.