Back to Search Start Over

Myxedema in Both Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism: A Hormetic Response?

Authors :
Sciacchitano, Salvatore
Napoli, Angela
Rocco, Monica
De Vitis, Claudia
Mancini, Rita
Source :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences; Sep2024, Vol. 25 Issue 18, p9957, 13p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Myxedema is a potentially life-threatening condition typically observed in severe hypothyroidism. However, localized or diffuse myxedema is also observed in hyperthyroidism. The exact cause and mechanism of this paradoxical situation is not clear. We report here the analysis of body fluid distribution by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in 103 thyroid patients, subdivided according to their functional status. All BIA parameters measured in subclinical thyroid dysfunctions did not significantly differ from those observed in euthyroid controls. On the contrary, they were clearly altered in the two extreme, opposite conditions of thyroid dysfunctions, namely overt hyperthyroidism and severe hypothyroidism, indicating the occurrence of a typical hormetic condition. Surprisingly, differences in BIA parameters related to fluid body composition were even more evident in hyperthyroidism than in hypothyroidism. A hormetic response to thyroid hormone (TH)s was previously reported to explain the paradoxical, biphasic, time- and dose-dependent effects on other conditions. Our results indicate that myxedema, observed in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions, represents another example of a hormetic-type response to THs. BIA offers no additional valuable information in evaluating fluid body composition in subclinical thyroid dysfunctions, but it represents a valuable method to analyze and monitor body fluid composition and distribution in overt and severe thyroid dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16616596
Volume :
25
Issue :
18
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
179965874
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189957