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Serum tau levels are increased in patients with hyperthyroidism
Lun-Xi Li1, Tong Yang1, Lu Guo1
1Department of Neurology, Army Medical University Daping Hospital, China.
Neuroscience Letters
|April 27, 2020
Summary
Hyperthyroidism is linked to higher tau protein levels, a marker associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Managing thyroid hormones may offer a new therapeutic strategy for AD.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism is associated with cognitive decline and increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.
- The precise mechanisms linking hyperthyroidism to AD pathogenesis remain largely unknown.
- Elevated serum tau levels are a known biomarker for AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum thyroid hormones (THs) and tau protein levels.
- To explore potential mechanisms connecting hyperthyroidism, tau pathology, and AD.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examinations of 50 hyperthyroid and 50 euthyroid participants.
- Measurement of serum concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3).
- Assessment of serum total tau protein levels.
Main Results:
- Total tau protein levels were significantly higher in hyperthyroid individuals compared to euthyroid controls.
- Circulating total tau levels showed a positive association with serum FT3 and FT4 concentrations.
- Total tau levels were elevated in participants with low TSH, and thyroid hormone levels decreased with age.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral thyroid hormones are associated with serum tau concentrations.
- These findings suggest a potential role for tau in the pathogenesis of AD in the context of hyperthyroidism.
- Hyperthyroidism management may represent a novel therapeutic avenue for AD.
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