Study of Antioxidant Status and Oxidative Stress in Cases of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism leads to hypometabolic state and low oxygen consumption. This study was undertaken to assess the oxidative stress and antioxidant protective activity in different hypothyroid states. 50 hypothyroid subjects and 50 age and sex matched euthyroid controls have been taken. Serum TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reacting substances), as a marker of the free radical mediated oxidative damage was measured. The activity of free radical scavenging enzyme, plasma SOD (Superoxide dismutase), and the serum alpha tocopherol, were measured as markers of the antioxidant status. Hypothyroid patients had mean T4 value 2.02 ± 1.0 µg/dl (in euthyroid cases 7.95 ± 0.55, p = 0.000), mean TSH 24.4 ± 8.9 µIU/ml (in euthyroid 2.55 ± 0.95, p = 0.000). Mean serum TBARS level in hypothyroid cases 2.76 ± 0.18 nmol/ml (in euthyroid 2.89 ± 0.19 nmol/ml, p = 0.001), Mean plasma SOD in hypothyroids 7.74 ± 0.51 IU/ ml (in euthyroid 7.76 ± 0.69, p > 0.15), Mean serum alpha tocopherol 12.01 ± 0.45 mg/L (in euthyroid 12.11 ± 0.26, p > 0.72). Comparison between mean plasma SOD value and mean serum TBARS and between vitamin E level and TBARS level in hypothyroid patients show no significant correlation. Hypothyroidism is free of any oxidative stress related damages. Hence supplementation with antioxidants like Vitamin E is not required.