Oxidative Stress, Thyroid Stimulating Hormones, and Antioxidants in Hypothyroid Disorders: A Case-Control Study in Central India
Abstract
Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by decreased secretion of thyroid hormones, leading to a reduced metabolic rate. Emerging evidence suggests that thyroid dysfunction may be linked with oxidative stress due to impaired balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Objective: To evaluate the levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant status in patients with hypothyroidism, and to examine the association between these parameters and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in a Central Indian population. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Index Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Indore. A total of 135 hypothyroid patients and 204 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, T3, T4, and TSH were measured using standardized spectrophotometric and immunoassay techniques. Statistical significance was assessed using t-tests and Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: Hypothyroid patients showed significantly elevated MDA levels (3.1 ± 0.9 nmol/L vs. 1.07 ± 0.61 in controls, p<0.0001), and reduced SOD (2.80 ± 0.11 U/mL), TAC (0.72 ± 0.31 mmol/L), Vitamin C (0.91 ± 0.12 mg/dL), and Vitamin E (0.66 ± 0.07 µg/dL) compared to controls (p< 0.0001 for all). TSH was significantly elevated. Pearson correlation showed MDA positively correlated with hypothyroidism (r = 0.45, p< 0.001), while SOD had a weak negative correlation (r = -0.31, p = 0.015) and TAC had a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.55, p<0.001). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is associated with increased oxidative stress and significantly impaired antioxidant defenses. These findings suggest a potential role for antioxidant monitoring and supplementation as adjunct therapy in the management of hypothyroid disorders.Keywords:
Hypothyroidism, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, Malondialdehyde, SOD, TAC, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, TSHReferences
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