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Zhang MZ, Zhao C, Xing XM, Lv J. Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1345267. [PMID: 38586463 PMCID: PMC10995244 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1345267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a key marker for atherosclerosis, with its modulation being crucial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. While thyroid function's impact on cardiovascular health is recognized, the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms influencing CIMT remain to be elucidated. Methods In this study, Mendelian Randomization (MR) was employed to assess the causal relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. Thyroid hormone data were sourced from the Thyroidomics Consortium, while lipid traits and CIMT measurements were obtained from the UK Biobank. The primary analysis method was a two-sample MR using multiplicative random effects inverse variance weighting (IVW-MRE). Additionally, the study explored the influence of thyroid hormones on lipid profiles and assessed their potential mediating role in the thyroid function-CIMT relationship through multivariate MR analysis. Results The study revealed that lower levels of Free Thyroxine (FT4) within the normal range are significantly associated with increased CIMT. This association was not observed with free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or TPOAb. Additionally, mediation analysis suggested that apolipoprotein A-I and B are involved in the relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. The findings indicate a potential U-shaped curve relationship between FT4 levels and CIMT, with thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients showing benefits in reducing CIMT. Conclusion This research establishes a causal link between thyroid function and CIMT using MR methods, underscoring the importance of monitoring thyroid function for early cardiovascular risk assessment. The results advocate for the consideration of thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients as a strategy to mitigate the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. These insights pave the way for more targeted approaches in managing patients with thyroid dysfunction to prevent cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-zhu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-ming Xing
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Ohba K, Iwaki T. Role of thyroid hormone in an experimental model of atherosclerosis: the potential mediating role of immune response and autophagy. Endocr J 2022; 69:1043-1052. [PMID: 35871569 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej22-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has revealed that several conditions related to abnormal thyroid hormone status, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, or hypercoagulable state, can exacerbate atherosclerotic vascular disease. Thyroid hormone effects on vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells have also been studied extensively. However, only limited information is available on thyroid hormone-mediated immune response in current review articles on the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. This report thus presents an overview of the recent advances in the understanding of the dynamic interactions taking place between thyroid hormone status and immune response in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In particular, we focus on macrophages and T-lymphocytes, which have been recognized as important determinants for the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Numerous studies have revealed the role of autophagy in immune cells produced in atherosclerosis. In addition, thyroid hormones induce autophagy in several cells and tissues, such as liver, skeletal muscles, lungs, and brown adipose tissue. Our research group, among others, have reported different targets of thyroid hormone-mediated autophagy, including lipid droplets (lipophagy), mitochondria (mitophagy), and aggregated proteins (aggrephagy). Based on these findings, thyroid hormone-mediated autophagy could serve as a novel therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis. We also consider the limitations of the current murine models for studies on atherosclerosis, especially in relation to low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol driven atherosclerotic plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ohba
- Medical Education Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iwaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
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Damiano F, Rochira A, Gnoni A, Siculella L. Action of Thyroid Hormones, T3 and T2, on Hepatic Fatty Acids: Differences in Metabolic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040744. [PMID: 28362337 PMCID: PMC5412329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The thyroid hormones (THs) 3,3′,5,5′-tetraiodo-l-thyronine (T4) and 3,5,3′-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) influence many metabolic pathways. The major physiological function of THs is to sustain basal energy expenditure, by acting primarily on carbohydrate and lipid catabolism. Beyond the mobilization and degradation of lipids, at the hepatic level THs stimulate the de novo fatty acid synthesis (de novo lipogenesis, DNL), through both the modulation of gene expression and the rapid activation of cell signalling pathways. 3,5-Diiodo-l-thyronine (T2), previously considered only a T3 catabolite, has been shown to mimic some of T3 effects on lipid catabolism. However, T2 action is more rapid than that of T3, and seems to be independent of protein synthesis. An inhibitory effect on DNL has been documented for T2. Here, we give an overview of the mechanisms of THs action on liver fatty acid metabolism, focusing on the different effects exerted by T2 and T3 on the regulation of the DNL. The inhibitory action on DNL exerted by T2 makes this compound a potential and attractive drug for the treatment of some metabolic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Damiano
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Alessio Rochira
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Antonio Gnoni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luisa Siculella
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
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Elbers LPB, Kastelein JJP, Sjouke B. Thyroid Hormone Mimetics: the Past, Current Status and Future Challenges. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2016; 18:14. [PMID: 26886134 PMCID: PMC4757599 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-016-0564-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The association between thyroid hormone status and plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol has raised the awareness for the development of thyroid hormone mimetics as lipid-lowering agents. The discovery of the two main types of thyroid hormone receptors (α and β) as well as the development of novel combinatorial chemistry providing organ specificity has drastically improved the selectivity of these compounds. In the past decades, several thyroid hormone mimetics have been investigated with the purpose of lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, until now, none of the thyromimetics reached the stage of completing a phase III clinical trial without deleterious side effects. Here, we review the currently available literature on thyromimetics investigated for the treatment of dyslipidemia, their rise, their downfall and the challenges for the development of novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P B Elbers
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Center Slotervaart, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J P Kastelein
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B Sjouke
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Gnocchi D, Steffensen KR, Bruscalupi G, Parini P. Emerging role of thyroid hormone metabolites. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2016; 217:184-216. [PMID: 26748938 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) are essential for the regulation of development and metabolism in key organs. THs produce biological effects both by directly affecting gene expression through the interaction with nuclear receptors (genomic effects) and by activating protein kinases and/or ion channels (short-term effects). Such activations can be either direct, in the case of ion channels, or mediated by membrane or cytoplasmic receptors. Short-term-activated signalling pathways often play a role in the regulation of genomic effects. Several TH intermediate metabolites, which were previously considered without biological activity, have now been associated with a broad range of actions, mostly attributable to short-term effects. Here, we give an overview of the physiological roles and mechanisms of action of THs, focusing on the emerging position that TH metabolites are acquiring as important regulators of physiology and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Gnocchi
- Division of Clinical Chemistry; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge; Stockholm Sweden
| | - K. R. Steffensen
- Division of Clinical Chemistry; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge; Stockholm Sweden
| | - G. Bruscalupi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘Charles Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - P. Parini
- Division of Clinical Chemistry; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge; Stockholm Sweden
- Metabolism Unit; Department of Medicine; Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge; Stockholm Sweden
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Kannisto K, Rehnmark S, Slätis K, Webb P, Larsson L, Gåfvels M, Eggertsen G, Parini P. The thyroid receptor β modulator GC-1 reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice. Atherosclerosis 2014; 237:544-54. [PMID: 25463087 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone reduces plasma cholesterol and increases expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) in liver, an effect mediated by thyroid receptor β (TRβ). The selective TRβ modulator GC-1 also enhances several steps in reverse cholesterol transport and can decrease serum cholesterol independently of LDL-R. To test whether GC-1 reduces atherosclerosis and to determine which mechanisms are active, we treated ApoE deficient mice with atherogenic diet ± GC-1. GC-1 reduced cholesteryl esters in aorta after 20 weeks. Serum free and esterified cholesterol were reduced after 1 and 10 weeks, but not 20 weeks. Hepatic bile acid synthesis and LDL-R expression was elevated after 1, 10 and 20 weeks, without changes in hepatic de novo cholesterol synthesis. GC-1 increased faecal neutral sterols and reduced serum campesterol after 1 week, indicating reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption. After 20 weeks, GC-1 increased faecal bile acids, but not faecal neutral sterols. Hepatic scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1) expression was decreased by GC-1. We conclude that GC-1 delays the onset of atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice. Since ApoE is needed for hepatic cholesterol reabsorption by LDL-R, this supports the idea that GC-1 reduces serum cholesterol independently of LDL-R by increasing hepatic bile acid synthesis. GC-1 lipid-lowering effects in ApoE deficient mice may also be partly due to reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption. Since reductions in serum cholesterol are reversed at longer times, these GC-1 dependent effects may not be enough for sustained cholesterol reduction in long term treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kannisto
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Rehnmark
- Axcentua Pharmaceuticals AB, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - K Slätis
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Webb
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - L Larsson
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Gåfvels
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - G Eggertsen
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Parini
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Sinha RA, Singh BK, Yen PM. Thyroid hormone regulation of hepatic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2014; 25:538-45. [PMID: 25127738 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormone (TH) has important roles in regulating hepatic lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. Recent findings suggest that clinical conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are associated with dysregulated hepatic metabolism, may involve altered intracellular TH action. In addition, TH has key roles in lipophagy in lipid metabolism, mitochondrial quality control, and the regulation of metabolic genes. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the functions of TH in hepatic metabolism, the relationship between TH and metabolic disorders, and the potential therapeutic use of thyromimetics to treat metabolic dysfunction in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit A Sinha
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169547, Singapore
| | - Brijesh K Singh
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169547, Singapore
| | - Paul M Yen
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169547, Singapore; Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
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