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Selenium Supplementation in Autoimmune Thyroiditis Female Patient—Effects on Thyroid and Ovarian Functions (Case Study)

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Abstract

Recently published biochemical data suggest the significant role of selenium compounds as the adjuvants combined with l-thyroxine therapy, which can reduce antithyroid peroxidase antibodies’ (TPOAb) levels in patients with Hashimoto disease. The study was undertaken to document in a more detailed way the changes in parameters expressing the thyroid and ovarian function brought about by selenium supplementation (50–100 μg/day) in a woman undergoing autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) therapy. This prospective observational case study lasted for 14 months plus additional 5 months as a follow-up period. Parameters reflecting selenium status, thyroid metabolism, and sex hormones secretion were determined at the onset and end of the study period, as well as in some of its middle points. During the supplementation trial, serum selenium (Se) increased by 45% and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX3) by 21%. TPOAb decreased by 76%. All other parameters also fluctuated during the supplementation period, but all results were always within normal physiological ranges. After withdrawal of the supplementation, the sharp fall of Se and GPX3 promptly occurred, and this phenomenon was accompanied with a marked increase in TPOAb. This report stresses the importance of selenium supplementation in AIT treatment. However, the efficiency and durability of the effect of Se supplementation on the TPOAb titer remain an open question. The clarification of mechanism(s) underlying Se interaction with autoimmune processes should throw new light on this issue.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by grant CR-123/2005 and grant BBN/CM-4104/202/3/2006/WŁ/387/P/F. Dr. Stanley Johnson is appreciated for English editing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Chemistry and Nutrition, Collegium Medicum Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Krakow, Poland

    Paweł Zagrodzki

  2. Department of Nuclear Physical Chemistry, Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342, Krakow, Poland

    Paweł Zagrodzki

  3. Outpatient Clinic for Pediatric Endocrinology, Specialist Centre of Therapy of Children and Adolescents, Al. Pokoju 2A, 31-548, Krakow, Poland

    Ryszard Ratajczak

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  1. Paweł Zagrodzki
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  2. Ryszard Ratajczak
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Correspondence to Paweł Zagrodzki.

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Zagrodzki, P., Ratajczak, R. Selenium Supplementation in Autoimmune Thyroiditis Female Patient—Effects on Thyroid and Ovarian Functions (Case Study). Biol Trace Elem Res 126, 76–82 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-008-8188-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-008-8188-6

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