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20.11.2013 | 9:25 AM

“It’s not your thyroid”: Facts and fiction in the thyroid-obesity relationship.

Many patients question whether they might have a thyroid problem because they have been gaining weight, even when their thyroid tests show little or no abnormalities. Given the high prevalence of thyroid diseases and obesity, could an occult thyroid dysfunction contribute to weight gain in this type of patient? Background: Thyroid hormone accelerates metabolism and […]

13.11.2013 | 9:51 AM

Genetically engineered “hyperthyroid” heart is protected against cardiac injury. PMID: 23861374

The cardiovascular system is very sensitive to thyroid hormone and patients with hyperthyroidism may experience symptoms including palpitations and changes in blood pressure. The human heart contains an enzyme that activates circulating thyroid hormone, called D2, but this enzyme is not present in adult rodent hearts. Is this an advantage or disadvantage for humans? Does […]

06.11.2013 | 5:52 PM

Is levothyroxine therapy enough for all hypothyroid patients?

The thyroid gland produces two iodine-containing hormones, T4 and T3, but much more T4 is produced than T3 on a daily basis. T4 is considered poorly active, even inactive by some, whereas T3 has the most activity due to its ability to concentrate inside the cells and activate the thyroid hormone receptors. When measured in […]

21.05.2013 | 10:51 PM

Many wonder if they have a deiodinase defect. Do you?

Serum T3 levels are remarkably stable throughout the adult life of a healthy individual. Even during iodine deficiency there is marked decrease in serum total T4, with reciprocal elevation in serum TSH, but serum T3 levels remain stable. These, and other observations, suggest that maintaining a stable serum level of T3 is a biological imperative. […]

01.05.2013 | 11:35 PM

Brown fat, thyroid hormone, obesity and you.

Fat tissue, or adipose tissue, has diverse hormonal, structural, and metabolic roles and can even be thought of as an organ in itself. The constituents of the adipose organ include two different types of fat cells, white and brown adipocytes, which demonstrate considerable differences in terms of their physiologic function. White adipocytes store energy efficiently […]