Thyroid Peroxidase (tpo) Gene Mutation in Hypothyroid Females and Its Association with Menstrual Disturbances and Abortion in the Population of West Bengal

Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones. Mutations in TPO gene are associated with hypothyroidism. The objective of present study is to characterize the common mutations in TPO that affect the menstrual problems as well as pregnancy loss. In our study 200 hypothyroid patients (case) and their corresponding sex and age matched 200 normal individuals (control) were screened depending on their clinical manifestations. We screened a number of mutations in the exonic and intronic regions of the TPO gene in the patient population. A significant number of hypothyroid females having TPO gene mutations showed menstrual irregularity and spontaneous abortion. Irregular menstrual cycle was noticed in 78% of hypothyroid female patients. The clinical investigation also revealed the association of spontaneous abortion in 28% of the hypothyroid female. The results of present study underline a possible correlation between hypothyroidism and menstrual problems and/or pregnancy disorder.