The Interplay of Oxidative Stress and Immune Dysfunction in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review
July 2023
in “
Frontiers in Immunology
”
oxidative stress immune dysfunction Hashimoto’s thyroiditis polycystic ovary syndrome reactive oxygen species reactive nitrogen species antioxidants iodine zinc selenium natural polyphenols alkaloids inositol L-carnitine probiotics hormonal birth control pills hirsutism acne menstrual disorders testosterone insulin-sensitizing drugs metformin myoinositol HT PCOS ROS RNS birth control pills
TLDR Oxidative stress and immune dysfunction are linked to both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and polycystic ovary syndrome, with diet and specific treatments important for managing these conditions.
The comprehensive review discusses the relationship between oxidative stress and immune dysfunction in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study reveals that HT and PCOS are related in terms of prevalence, etiology, and clinical consequences. Chronic stress, linked to oxidative stress, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of both disorders. The risk of HT in PCOS is 3.27 times higher in Europe, and 4.56 times higher in Asian PCOS patients. The presence of both disorders may result in more serious metabolic and reproductive complications. The review also discusses the role of oxidative stress in these conditions, caused by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which can damage cellular structures, disrupt normal gene expression, and lead to mutations. The review emphasizes the importance of a diet that supports the immune system, with antioxidants such as iodine, zinc, selenium, natural polyphenols and alkaloids, inositol, L-carnitine, and probiotics being important in the treatment of HT. In PCOS, hormonal birth control pills are the most common treatment, used to treat symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, and menstrual disorders. Other treatments include reducing the effects of testosterone and its derivatives on the body, and the use of insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin and myoinositol. The review concludes that there is a need for further research to understand the role of oxidative stress in the co-occurrence of these diseases.
