An evaluation of antioxidants and oxidative stress in Iraqi patients with thyroid gland dysfunction

Abstract

Salwa HN Al-Rubae'i, Abass K. Al-Musawi

The present study evaluates the effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism states on antioxidant vitamins (A, E, C, β-carotene) and uric acid in Iraqi patients before treatment. Lipid peroxidation, an index of oxidative stress was elevated in hyperthyroidism but reduced in hypothyroidism patients as compared to control. The results showed a highly significant decrease in the sera levels of Vitamins A, E and C in all patients with thyroid dysfunction as compared to control. A highly significant decrease in β-carotene levels in patients with hyperthyroidism and a highly significant increase in β-carotene levels in patients with hypothyroidism were compared to control. The level of uric acid was elevated in hyperthyroidism but reduced in hypothyroidism patients as compared to control. In hypothyroidism patients, there was a significant negative correlation between the levels of thyroid hormones, Vitamins A, E, β-carotene and uric acid with concomitant increase in MDA levels, whereas a significant positive correlation was observed between Vitamin C and MDA levels. In hyperthyroidism patients, there was a significant negative correlation between MDA levels and TT3, β-carotene, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, while a significant positive correlation with TT4, Vitamin C, and uric acid was found. No changes in TSH were observed. The results of this study reveal the importance of monitoring the levels of those antioxidant vitamins in thyroid dysfunction patients before therapy, especially when the disease is more severe.