The Role of Selected Trace Elements in Oxidoreductive Homeostasis in Patients with Thyroid Diseases

Impaired levels of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and iodine (I) in the organism may adversely affect the thyroid endocrine system. These trace elements play a role in the fight against oxidative stress as components of enzymes. Oxidative-antioxidant imbalance is considered a possible factor in many pathological conditions, including various thyroid diseases. In the available literature, there are few scientific studies showing a direct correlation of the effect of supplementation of trace elements on slowing down or preventing the occurrence of thyroid diseases in combination with the improvement of the antioxidant profile, or through the action of these elements as antioxidants. Among the available studies, it has been shown that an increase in lipid peroxidation levels and a decrease in the overall antioxidant defense status occur during such thyroid diseases as thyroid cancer, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and dysthyroidism. In studies in which trace elements were supplemented, the following were observed: a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde after supplementation with Zn during hypothyroidism and reduction in the malondialdehyde level after Se supplementation with a simultaneous increase in the total activity status and activity of antioxidant defense enzymes in the course of autoimmune thyroiditis. This systematic review aimed to present the current state of knowledge about the relationship between trace elements and thyroid diseases in terms of oxidoreductive homeostasis.

Automated summary

Impaired levels of trace elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and iodine can negatively impact the thyroid endocrine system by affecting oxidative stress and antioxidant defense. There is a limited number of studies that directly correlate trace element supplementation with the prevention or slowing down of thyroid diseases and the improvement of the antioxidant profile. However, some studies have shown that supplementation with zinc and selenium can reduce lipid peroxidation levels and improve antioxidant activity in thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. This systematic review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the relationship between trace elements and thyroid diseases in terms of oxidoreductive homeostasis.