Cadmium toxicity could be a cause for thyroid problem

Abstract

Every year World Thyroid Day is observed on May 25 to spread awareness on the disorders of thyroid gland and their prevention. Yet the increase in thyroid problems is unabated. In fact, thyroid is one of the most important endocrine glands that regulates all most all body functions of human beings. It synthesizes and secrets 2 main hormones, thyroxine(T4) and tri-iodothyronine(T3), both being regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). While the whole amount of circulating T4 is produced by the thyroid gland itself, T3 is mostly generated in liver and kidney by peripheral mono-deiodination of T4 with the help of an enzyme, 5'-deiodinase (5' D). Thyroid hormones are vital for the well-being of a person and their abnormal levels lead to health problems. People with thyroid abnormalities suffer either from hypo-functioning (hypothyroidism) or from hyper-functioning (hyperthyroidism) of the gland. However, most common thyroid problem is hypothyroidism and females suffer more from this as compared to males. According to Chiovato et al. (2019), hypothyroidism affects about 5% of the general population and 5% more are believed to be sufferers, but undiagnosed. Primary hypothyroidism is normally diagnosed with low serum thyroid hormones and high TSH concentrations than the normal reference ranges. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include intolerance to cold, mild to moderate weight gain, dry skin, puffiness of the body, peri-orbital swelling, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, hoarse voice and menstrual irregularities.The consequences of untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism include cretinism, myxoedema and goitre, even coronary artery disease.