The association between cigarette smoking and serum thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies levels in Chinese residents: A cross-sectional study in 10 cities.

Yan Zhang,Xiaolan Lian,Qiao Zhang,Zhongyan Shan,Chao Liu,Nanwei Tong,Shu Wang,Lixin Shi,Nianchun Peng,Jianping Weng,Bingyin Shi,Weiping Teng,Jiajun Zhao,Lulu Chen,Tatsuo Shimosawa

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0225435

Abstract

ObjectivesAlthough several studies have shown that cigarette smoking is associated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), the exact relationship between smoking and thyroid function is controversial. As little is known about the effects of smoking on TSH, TPOAb and TgAb in Chinese residents. This study aimed to evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and TSH, TPOAb and TgAb in ten-city residents of China.Study designThis was a population-based cross-sectional study.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 15,181 subjects from ten major cities of China were investigated. Data regarding demographic characteristics, smoking status and consumption of iodine status were collected using in-person interviews based on a self-designed structured questionnaire. Serum concentrations of TSH, TPOAb and TgAb were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear stepwise regression analyses were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe regular smokers had lower concentrations of TSH, TPOAb and TgAb than occasional smokers, former smokers and never smokers. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that regular smoking was associated with the decreased concentrations of TSH (β = -0.178), TPOAb (β = -0.287) and TGAb (β = -0.453) after adjusting other factors. Furthermore, daily smoking number was significantly associated with the decreased level of TSH (β = -0.045) and TPOAb(β = -0.080), and smoking duration was associated with the decreased TSH level (β = -0.030).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that cigarette smoking is related to a significant decline in the concentrations of TSH, TPOAb and TgAb. In addition, daily smoking number and long-term smoking decrease serum TSH and TPOAb levels. Cigarette smoking plays a significant role in the development of thyroid dysfunction.

Highlights

Thyroid dysfunction has a significant impact upon the general population[1, 2]
Multivariate analysis demonstrated that regular smoking was associated with the decreased concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (β = -0.178), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) (β = -0.287) and TGAb (β = -0.453) after adjusting other factors
Daily smoking number was significantly associated with the decreased level of TSH (β = -0.045) and TPOAb(β = -0.080), and smoking duration was associated with the decreased TSH level (β = -0.030)

Summary

Introduction

Thyroid dysfunction has a significant impact upon the general population[1, 2]. Thyroid dysfunction has been recognized as a global public health problem, which affects 10% of the general population and increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality[4]. The prevalence of cigarette smoking in population with the age of 18 years old has been reported as 62.4% in men and 3.4% in women[7]. Studies have reported that smoking is a risk factor for the development of thyroid diseases. Several studies have confirmed that in developed countries, smoking can increase thyroid size and nontoxic goiter[10,11,12]. Cigarette smoking increases the risk and severity of Graves’ disease, Graves’ ophtalmopathy and thyroid multinodularity[12,13,14]

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