Articles tagged with Thyroid Gland
Research links water fluoridation above 0.7 mg/l to a 30% higher than expected rate of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in England. Researchers suggest switching to non-fluoride-based interventions to protect tooth health.
Researchers successfully mutated the thyroid hormone receptor in tadpoles, disrupting hind limb development and providing insight into the importance of hormones in early development. The study also has potential applications in understanding human developmental disorders such as cretinism.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a genetic polymorphism may be responsible for why standard treatments for hypothyroidism fail some patients. The researchers suggest that personalized medicine could lead to effective treatment for all patients, and identify potential targets for new therapies.
A new review suggests thyroid disorders significantly affect reproductive health in women, leading to reduced conception rates and increased miscarriage risk. Routine screening and prompt management can reduce these risks, emphasizes the authors.
A new NYIT study reveals that rats treated with thyroid hormones had a reduced risk of developing dangerous heart arrhythmias following a heart attack. The findings could have important implications for future treatment of human patients with heart failure, who often suffer from atrial fibrillation.
A new study found that endocrine disrupting chemicals can interfere with thyroid hormone action in pregnant women and may travel across the placenta to affect fetal brain development. The study used a prospective birth cohort of 164 pregnant women and found associations between high levels of CYP1A1 enzyme and thyroid disruption.
Scientists have discovered the role of thyroid hormone in the formation of zebrafish stripes and have found that cells responsible for producing orange color can transform into xanthophores through a process called 'transdifferentiation'. This finding could provide clues to regeneration of tissues and organs without stem cells.
Researchers suggest that asymptomatic individuals may benefit from treatment for thyroid dysfunction to reduce associated health risks. However, the effectiveness of thyroid screening is still unknown, and further studies are needed to inform an updated recommendation.
A new study found that PCBs can infiltrate the placenta during pregnancy and affect thyroid hormone activity at the cellular level. This may be particularly concerning for pregnant women who smoke, as it can lead to higher levels of the enzyme CYP1A1 in the placental tissue.
The new guidelines emphasize the effectiveness of levothyroxine in most patients with hypothyroidism, but note that some individuals may not regain optimal health. Alternative treatments are also discussed, but no consistently strong evidence supports their superiority.
The new guidelines from the American Thyroid Association reaffirm levothyroxine as the gold standard treatment for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine has been thoroughly tested and found to be very effective in reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism in most individuals.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found 40% of thyroidectomy patients to be vitamin D deficient prior to surgery. Vitamin D supplementation may improve surgical outcomes and shorten hospital stays for these patients. The study highlights the importance of routine vitamin D level checks in thyroid surgery patients.
A study published in CMAJ found that metformin increases the risk of low thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in patients with hypothyroidism. Metformin monotherapy was associated with a 55% increased risk of low TSH levels compared to sulfonylurea therapy.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that a genetic form of deafness is caused by the absence of thyroid hormone during development. The study found structural and molecular defects consistent with hypothyroidism or disrupted thyroid hormone action in affected mice.
Long-lived diving birds experience declining blood oxygen stores, resting metabolism, and thyroid hormone levels with age. Despite these physiological changes, their diving performance remains unchanged.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women with high levels of perchlorate during pregnancy may have children with below-average IQs. Perchlorate, a common chemical contaminant, can affect thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism, which is associated with cognitive impairment.
Levothyroxine treatment improved cognitive and learning abilities in naturally aged mice by increasing choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholine levels. The supplement also enhanced superoxide dismutase activity and synapse function, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for age-related cognitive deficits.
A new study by NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine professor A. Martin Gerdes found that administering low doses of thyroid hormone can restore hormone levels in the hearts of rats with diabetes and prevent deterioration of heart function.
The Endocrine Society's publishing imprint Endocrine Press has released a comprehensive guide to treating metabolic emergencies. The book provides clinicians with practical resources for managing acute medical and critically ill patients experiencing endocrine and metabolic crises, such as dangerously low blood sugar or excessive thyro...
A recent study has found that hypothyroidism can cause impaired driving abilities, comparable to the effects of drinking alcohol. The research suggests that patients with significant hypothyroidism should avoid driving until they have been treated with thyroid hormone.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that hyperthyroidism patients are more likely to take extended sick leave, particularly in the first year after diagnosis. People with eye complications from Graves' disease were the most likely to require extended sick leave.
Research reveals that urban river pollutants are suppressing the health and development of wild birds, with chicks from contaminated rivers showing signs of underweight and hormonal imbalance. The study highlights the importance of monitoring bird populations as indicators of environmental well-being and food-web contamination.
A population-based cohort study found that older adults with highly active thyroid glands are at a substantially increased risk of developing depression. The study analyzed data from 1,503 participants and found that those with higher TSH levels were more likely to experience depression symptoms over an eight-year period.
A study found that bonobos have higher levels of thyroid hormone T3 until adulthood, unlike humans and chimpanzees. This might impact their social behavior and cognitive development, potentially leading to delayed maturation.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that only about half of patients with newly diagnosed high cholesterol were screened for thyroid dysfunction. Current guidelines recommend TSH blood tests to rule out hypothyroidism in these patients.
The American Thyroid Association has developed new ethics guidelines specific to the field of thyroidology, addressing ethical dilemmas and questions that arise in patient care. The guidelines provide clear guidance on disclosure of conflicts of interest and professional integrity, offering timely recommendations for endocrine practice.
A study found that older individuals with low thyroid hormone levels, particularly T3, have a higher risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that thyroid hormone levels could be a useful predictor of survival rates in hospitalized elderly patients.
Researchers are studying the molecular interactions between CFTR and SLC5A8 transport proteins in the thyroid gland, which may play a role in moving iodide into follicular lumens.
A study led by a CU School of Medicine researcher has confirmed the Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) test can accurately identify benign thyroid nodules, significantly reducing the need for unnecessary surgeries. The test was found to have a very high negative predictive value, with only one nodule out of 71 identified as cancerous.
A study found that the median thyrotropin level at levothyroxine treatment start declined from 8.7 to 7.9 mIU/L, indicating potential overtreatment. Researchers suggest that up to 30% of persons receiving levothyroxine therapy may have been prescribed it without an accepted indication.
Researchers have discovered that thyroid hormone affects blood vessel constriction, leading to sensitivity to temperature extremes. This knowledge may help future treatment of patients with thyroid disorders who experience temperature-related symptoms.
The American Thyroid Association's Taskforce on Approaches and Strategies to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Economy has released a comprehensive guide with 70 specific recommendations to standardize study design in thyroid research. This will lead to more standardized approaches, improving the comparability of results and informing the de...
A retrospective clinical controlled study found that dissecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery significantly reduces the risk of nerve injury. The study analyzed data from 5,344 patients and showed a lower incidence of nerve injury in those undergoing nerve dissection.
Research links perfluorinated chemical (PFC) exposure to changes in thyroid function, particularly in women, with elevated levels of T3 and T4 hormones. PFCs found in various products may increase the risk of mild hypothyroidism without triggering a natural hormonal response.
A new study finds desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) to be a safe and effective alternative to standard T4 therapy for hypothyroid patients. DTE caused modest weight loss and nearly half of the study patients preferred it over L-T4.
Mount Sinai researchers discover that diabetics using glucose meters at appointments have improved disease control. A study found that patients with controlled diabetes had a lower Hemoglobin A1c level compared to those without monitored glucose levels.
A new drug has been found to increase the amount of energy burned by fat tissue, leading to significant weight loss and improved metabolic health. The drug, GC-1, mimics the activity of thyroid hormone and has been shown to promote thermogenesis in white adipose tissue.
A new genetic test can accurately identify benign thyroid nodules in nearly all cases, potentially saving thousands of surgeries and eliminating the need for permanent hormone supplementation. This breakthrough test could have a major impact on healthcare costs and complications related to unnecessary medical procedures.
A new rodent study found that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder share common molecular vulnerabilities. Low-dose thyroxin treatment appears to alleviate some effects of alcohol exposure on offspring. The study suggests a potential biochemical marker for identifying children at risk for ASD.
Women with thyroid disorders face higher risks of complications such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. The study found that women with underactive or overactive thyroids were more likely to develop gestational diabetes and have a higher rate of cesarean delivery.
The new guidelines aim to optimize blood use for surgical patients by preparing units only for procedures requiring transfusions. By streamlining the process, hospitals can reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
Researchers found a high prevalence of low T3 syndrome before and after surgery, associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and depressive symptoms. Perioperative low T3 syndrome was linked to a five-fold increased risk of poor outcome.
Scientists have identified a new type of nerve cell in the brain that regulates heart rhythm and blood pressure. The discovery may lead to new ways of treating cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers found that doses from mammography scatter radiation are negligible and do not increase cancer risk. The use of thyroid shields is unnecessary due to the extremely low dose received by the gland.
A recent study has shown that bisphenol A (BPA) can disrupt thyroid function in pregnant animals and their offspring. The study used sheep as a relevant model for human pregnancy and analyzed the internal exposures of the fetuses and their mothers to BPA.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a new hereditary form of hypothyroidism caused by mutations in the immunoglobulin superfamily, member 1 (IGSF1) gene. This sex-biased condition affects males more frequently than females and has significant implications for thyroid hormone deficiency diagnosis and treatment.
A new study by NC State University and Duke University finds that flame retardant Firemaster 550 causes endocrine disruption, leading to rapid weight gain, early onset of puberty, and cardiovascular health problems in lab rats. The researchers also detected high levels of thyroid hormone and glucose regulation issues in exposed offspring.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that BPA exposure is associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women and newborn boys. The study suggests a potential link between BPA exposure and altered fetal development and cognitive function.
A recent study published by The Endocrine Society found that mildly elevated TSH levels in the elderly do not increase mortality risk. In fact, having subclinical hypothyroidism may be protective, and higher thyroid hormone levels are associated with a higher risk of death.
The new guidelines provide updated recommendations for diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism, a complex condition affecting millions worldwide. The guidelines aim to address issues with inappropriate thyroid hormone administration and suboptimal dosing.
The Endocrine Society has revised its Clinical Practice Guideline for managing thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum. The guideline provides recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the critical role of thyroid hormone in fetal brain development and maternal health.
Researchers developed an expert system to diagnose thyroid disease using computerized screening of medical data, achieving an accuracy rate of 93.5%, significantly improving detection rates.
A Purdue University student's research on zebrafish eye development may help understand vision problems affecting billions worldwide. The study found an enzyme's role in regulating eye size, which could be relevant to human vision issues.
A new study associates excess maternal iodine supplementation with congenital hypothyroidism, a condition that can lead to neurocognitive impairments if left untreated. The research highlights the potential hazard of exceeding the safe upper limit for daily iodine ingestion during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A new gene expression test can accurately classify thyroid nodules as low-risk, allowing for the avoidance of unnecessary surgeries and lifelong hormone replacement treatment. The test demonstrated a 92% correct identification rate and 85-95% negative predictive value, ruling out malignancy.
A new study finds that patients with hyperthyroidism are at a greater risk of hospitalization for heart and blood-vessel disease, even years after successful thyroid surgery. The risk is largely due to the disease itself, rather than treatment, and persists for up to two decades.
A new study found that even mild thyroid dysfunction during early pregnancy significantly increases the risk of serious complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight. The study recommends universal screening for all pregnant women in the first trimester to prevent these complications.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have derived a population of pure lung and thyroid progenitor cells in vitro that successfully mimic the developmental milestones of lung and thyroid tissue formation. The purified cells can be used to develop new gene and cell-based therapies for lung diseases.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that elderly thyroid surgery patients are at a higher risk for serious complications. The study examined 7,915 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and found that elde...
Researchers tested over 20,000 pregnant women and their children's IQ at age three, finding no difference between treated and untreated groups. The study adds support to current UK guidelines against routine antenatal screening for hypothyroidism in pregnancy.