Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Status in Euthyroid Nodular Goiter: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• Thyroid function relies on essential trace elements like iodine, selenium, and zinc.
• Selenium is crucial for thyroid hormone production and deiodinase activity.
• While zinc's role is at the T3 receptor level, copper's function in thyroid metabolism remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare serum levels of selenium, zinc, and copper in patients with euthyroid nodular goiter versus healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 98 patients with euthyroid multinodular goiter and 83 healthy controls.
• Collected demographic data, thyroid hormone levels, and thyroid ultrasound findings.
• Analyzed serum selenium, zinc, and copper using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Main Results:

• Serum zinc and selenium levels were significantly lower in the nodular goiter group compared to controls.
• Serum copper levels did not differ between the groups.
• No correlation was found between trace element levels, thyroid hormone levels, or thyroid volumes.

Conclusions:

• Selenium and zinc deficiency may be associated with the development of nodular goiter.
• Supplementation with selenium and zinc could be a potential strategy for preventing nodular goiter, especially in deficient populations.