Study of oxidative stress and lipid profile in hypothyroid patients

The incidence of hypothyroidism in India is high and it is not adequately controlled. The pathogenesis of hypothyroidism is not very clear, however increased oxidative stress have been reported. Pathological consequences of hypothyroidism point to a high potential for antioxidant imbalance. The present study was carried out to evaluate oxidative stress (MDA, Vitamin C) and to correlate these parameters with the disease process. A total number of 80 subjects comprising of 30 healthy controls and 50 cases studied. Out of 50 patients with hypothyroidism, 30 were subclinical hypothyroid patients and 20 were overt hypothyroid patients. In all the subjects, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum vitamin C were estimated. Serum MDA was significantly increased in overthypothyroidism in comparison to subclinical hypothyroidism and control. The antioxidant serum vitamin C was significantly decreased in overt hypothyroidism when compared to subclinical hypothyroidism and controls. MDA and vitamin c levels correlated with lipid profile explaining the contributory role of oxidative stress and dyslipidemia for the disease process. MDA and serum vitamin C level showed a negative correlation. The presence of increased systemic oxidative stress in hypothyroidism seems to be associated with severity of disease.