Protein Oxidation in Hypothyroidism: A Prospective Study in Eastern India

Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is increasing in community. Oxidative stress is a common occurrence in hypothyroidism. Studies regarding oxidative stress in subclinical & overt hypothyroidism are limited and controversial. Aim of the study was to estimate and compare the malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) as oxidative stress parameters, in control, subclinical and overt hypothyroid groups, furthermore to find out any correlation that exit between the same parameters. 71 hypothyroid patients (36-subclinical, 35-overt hypothyroidism) were selected for the study. Age and sex matched control subjects were also selected. Hypothyroid patients were selected on the reports of hormonal assay (TSH & T4). MDA was estimated by TBARS assay method spectrophotometrically and PC by DNPH spectrophotometric method. SPSS 20 software was used for statistical analysis. ANOVA showed significant increase (p<0.001) of MDA & PC between all the groups. Regression analysis showed TSH was dependent on PC but not on MDA in overt hypothyroid group (p<0.0001). Oxidative stress was increased in hypothyroidism. TSH was positively correlated with PC in overt hypothyroidism. Assesment and control of oxidative stress at subclinical level of hypothyroidism can prevent or delay the grave consequences of hypothyroidism.