Endocrine Abstracts

Selenium (Se) has been shown to capture radicals, one of which is oxygen originating from thyroxin-peroxidase (TPO) activity. Se supplementation to patients with Hashimoto’s resulted in a decrease of anti-TPO-titers and Se concentrations of ≥1.4 μmol/l have been proven to prevent deterioration of post partum thyreoiditis. Our group previously showed that in nonpregnant women with Hashimoto’s Se concentrations were decreased, and pregnant women have decreased Se levels of about 25% at term.

In a prospective study, anti-TPO-antibodies were estimated in the cord blood of 207 newborns. In 23 (11%) children, anti-TPO-antibodies (adult normal values are <35 U/ml) were detected; 13 titers were <35 and 10 newborn had levels of ≥35U/ml. In all 23, anti-TPO-positive cases Se was evaluated; 46 anti-TPO- negative samples served as controls.

In the controls, Se levels were 0.68±0.16 μmol/l and significantly higher (P<0.01) than in anti-TPO positive samples (0.5±0.12 μmol/l). In samples with anti-TPO-titers of ≥35 U/ml, Se was lower (0.46±0.07; P<0.05) than in samples with ‘detectable’ (<35 U/ml) titers (0.62±0.14 μmol/l).

The results indicate that there is an incidence of about 11% of women in their reproductive age developing or having Hashimoto’s thyreoiditis. This thyroid disorder is associated with a Se deficit which has been documented by our previous studies. It might be worthwhile to screen women wishing to become pregnant and/or having a thyroid history; Se supplementation might also be recommended during pregnancy.

References

Bohnet HG et al. Endocr Abstr 2004 P173.

Bohnet HG. Endocr Abstr 2006 P872.

Negro et al. JCEM, 92 1263–1268.