Endocrine Abstracts

The quantification of TSH from a serum or plasma sample constitutes the cornerstone of assessing the thyroid axis in the clinical routine. In addition, T4 and/or T3 levels may be determined to diagnose pathological conditions. However, these data do not necessarily reflect the local action of thyroid hormone in the target tissues and are sensitive to distortion, as best known from pregnancy when chorionic gonadotropin disturbs the regular feedback control. Recently, we identif...

The trace element selenium (Se) is unevenly distributed in our earth’s crust causing regional differences in soil Se concentrations. Soil Se directly affects plant Se content and thereby animal and human Se intake. Besides intake, the actual health status and genotype modify Se metabolism and expression of selenoproteins, i.e., Se status. In order to assess the individual Se status, total blood Se concentration or two circulating selenoproteins are determined. According t...

Background: Selenium (Se) is a crucial micronutrient for thyroid gland homeostasis. Acting through iodothyronine deiodinases, it regulates thyroid hormones synthesis and by glutathione peroxidases removes harmful free radicals. The Se role in pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis is currently under investigation. Se supplementation decreases antithyroid antibodies during pregnancy, may prevent from postpartum thyroiditis and is approved for treatment of mild Graves’ opht...

Background: Selenium (Se) sufficiency is beneficial for thyroid metabolism and pregnancy course due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As a part of selenoenzymes, it ameliorates autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) progression in mothers and provides proper neurogenesis in fetuses. Despite lacking or conflicting recommendations for its supplementation in pregnancy, Se is used in a clinical setting, as a common constituent of multivitamin pregnancy diet supplemen...

Background: Selenium (Se) sufficiency is beneficial for thyroid metabolism and pregnancy course due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As a part of selenoenzymes, it ameliorates autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) progression in mothers and provides proper neurogenesis in fetuses. Despite lacking or conflicting recommendations for its supplementation in pregnancy, Se is used in a clinical setting, as a common constituent of multivitamin pregnancy diet supplemen...

Introduction: So far, only two representatives of thyronamines, namely 3-iodothyronamine (3-T1AM) and the iodine–free thyronamine (T0AM), have been detected in vivo. While intensive research is done on the (patho-) physiological function of 3-T1AM, the physiological role of T0AM is poorly studied. Conflicting data have been reported for the acute cardiac effects of T0AM. This project therefore determined whet...

Introduction: Autoantibodies (aAB) are characteristic of autoimmune diseases, but may also be found in apparently healthy individuals and precede pathological symptoms. We have recently reported on autoantibodies against the IGF1-receptor (IGF1R-aAB) in control subjects and patients with Graves’ disease (1). The isolated aAB were able to immunoprecipitate the recombinant autoantigen and antagonized IGF1 signaling in vitro. Given the structural similarities betwee...

Enzymatic 5′- and 5-deiodination represent key pathways for local and systemic and local activation and inactivation of iodothyronines and iodothyronamines. Expression of the three respective deiodinases (DIO) is regulated by thyroid parameters, local and systemic inflammatory status as well as by selenium supply. In addition, the DIO isoenzymes are intended but also unanticipated target proteins of pharmacological, nutritive and environmental substances that might inter...

Introduction: Glucosinolates (GLS) are secondary plant metabolites found in members of families within the order Brassicales (e.g. broccoli, pak choi, cauliflower, kale, mustard or rapeseed), but they are also present in plants of Moringaceae (moringa) and Caricaceae (papaya). Some GLS-derived breakdown products, i.e. sulforaphane, were extensively studied for their beneficial effects on colon-cancer incidence. This preventive nutritional approach might require the prophylacti...

Iodine (I) and selenium (Se) are two essential trace elements for regular thyroid gland functioning and thyroid hormone metabolism. Most Europeans are only marginally supplied with both elements through their daily nutrition. The mammalian organism has developed efficient and highly complex mechanisms to control I and Se uptake, metabolism and recycling. The thyroid gland is equipped with the necessary transporters and metabolizing enzymes for I uptake and bioconversion into t...