Introduction and Aim: Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterised by an underactive thyroid gland and reduced production of thyroid hormones. Selenium, an essential trace mineral, plays a
critical role in thyroid function and the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Selenium-dependent enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and iodothyronine deiodinases (DIOs) type II, thioredoxin reductase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are involved in regulating thyroid hormone metabolism and maintaining thyroid gland health. Understanding the significance of selenium and selenium-dependent enzymes in hypothyroidism can provide valuable insights into the disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
Materials and Methods: 100 healthy individuals and 100 age-matched hypothyroid subjects were included in this study after getting informed consent. Thyroid profile, selenium and selenium-dependent enzymes were measured in all subjects.
Results: The TSH level in hypothyroid subjects was 9.54 ± 7.03 when compared with healthy subjects and it was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Selenium level was 53.32 ± 15.80 in hypothyroid subjects which
was very much reduced as compared to that of healthy subjects (p = 0.000). Selenium-dependent enzymes such as GPx, deiodinases typeII and SOD were greatly reduced in subjects with hypothyroidism, andit was found to be highly statistically significant.
Conclusion: The present study concludes that in hypothyroidism, both selenium levels and selenium-dependent enzymes are reduced. This reduction may contribute to the increased formation of free radicals
and the development of oxidative stress. These findings highlight the significance of selenium in thyroid metabolism. Further research should extensively investigate the role of selenium supplementation in thyroid metabolism.