Association between the oxidative balance score and thyroid function: Results from the NHANES 2007-2012 and Mendelian...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Oxidative stress significantly contributes to disease development.
• The oxidative balance score (OBS) assesses dietary and lifestyle impacts on oxidative stress.
• The relationship between OBS and adult thyroid function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the oxidative balance score (OBS) and thyroid function in adults.
• To explore potential causal links between OBS components and thyroid hormones.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 6222 adults from NHANES (2007-2012).
• Weighted multivariable linear regression to analyze OBS quartiles and thyroid function.
• Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess causal relationships between OBS components and thyroid function.

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was observed between OBS and free thyroxine (FT4) and total thyroxine (TT4).
• Mendelian randomization indicated a causal relationship between BMI and FT4.
• Copper, smoking, and riboflavin demonstrated a causal association with FT4 following moderation.

Conclusions:

• Increased antioxidant exposure, indicated by OBS, is associated with reduced FT4 and TT4 levels.
• BMI, copper, and riboflavin are identified as key regulators of FT4 levels.
• Lifestyle and nutritional factors play a role in thyroid hormone regulation.