The impact of environmental factors on the thyroid gland
General Medicine, 2023, 25(3), 35-41.
M. Esad1, A. Alakidi2
1 Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Plovdiv
2 Department of Epidemiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. The thyroid gland and its hormones play an important role in organ development, homeostasis, and basic physiological processes such as cell proliferation, development of the organism through the embryonic stages, and stimulation of protein synthesis and degradation. Information about any external factors that alter the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and other biochemical indicators is critical to normal thyroid function. A number of environmental factors have an adverse effect on thyroid homeostasis. Nitrates compete with iodine transport through sodium-iodine symporters (NIS), which reduces thyroid hormone synthesis and leads to hypothyroidism. Plant protection products that are used to control various types of pesticides disrupt endocrine function. Heavy metals can lead to increased, decreased, or unchanged levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), or thyroid autoantibodies, depending on gender. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of Graves’ disease, thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and increases the size of the thyroid gland. The listed factors are the reason for the wide spread of thyroid dysfunction. Future studies should continue to analyze the influence of environmental factors on thyroid function. This will contribute to the understanding of the complex mechanisms of action underlying thyroid diseases.
Key words: thyroid gland, thyroid hormones, thyroid dysfunction, environment, smoking
Address for correspondence: Adolf Alakidi, e-mail: adolfogroup@abv.bg