Thyroid Weight Research Articles

Physiological and Hormonal Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Thyroid Function and the Impact on Bodyweight in Male Rats

Fifty-four Sprague-Dawley albino adult male rats were classified into three main groups each of 18 rats treated for a particular duration (1,2, and 4) weeks respectively. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups each of six rats treated as follows; group (1) serve as normal control, group (2, and 3) intra-peritoneal treated with TiO2NPs (50,200) mg/kg respectively, body *weight of all rats was measured before and after the experiment, then rats were dissected at the end of each experiment and the weights of the thyroid was measured. The result showed a highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in thyroid gland weight, a highly significant increase (p<0.01) in body weights and TSH, while a highly significant decrease (p<0.01) inT3 and T4 was observed in all different doses (50,200) mg/kg at durations 1,2 and 4 weeks. So, this study confirms body weight gain is associated with thyroid dysfunction.

Prethyroidectomy voice and swallowing disorders and the possible role of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate voice and swallowing function before thyroid surgery and to explore the possible role of thyroid enlargement and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods We conducted a prospective study of patients who underwent hemi- or total thyroidectomy (n = 118) and compared the results with patients of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n = 110). All subjects underwent videolaryngostroboscopy, filled in subjective evaluations of voice, swallowing and reflux complaints. Acoustic voice analysis (AVA), maximum phonation time (MPT) and perceptual voice evaluation were conducted. Results We found no difference in voice quality between study and control group, neither in subjective complaints nor in AVA or perceptual evaluation. We did find indicative signs of minor laryngeal changes in thyroid group. Swallowing Impairment Score (SIS) revealed worse swallowing function in thyroid patients (p = 0.0006). Comparison of Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) scores revealed that thyroid group patients have higher values compared to control group (p = 0.006). Nevertheless, Reflux Finding Score (RFS) showed identical scores in both groups (p = 0.220). In thyroid group there was a strong positive correlation between RSI and SIS (ρ = 0.641), but no correlation between RFS and SIS (ρ = −0.002). In addition, we found a weak positive correlation between thyroid weight and RFS (ρ = 0.379). Conclusions Changes in laryngeal area caused by thyroid disorders do not lead to subjective but indicate slight objective disturbances in voice quality. We detected a decline in swallowing quality within thyroid patients. Higher RSI scores and a positive correlation between RFS and thyroid weight, indicate a possible role of thyroid gland in LPR.

Evaluation of human relevance of Nicofluprole-induced rat thyroid disruption

Nicofluprole is a novel insecticide of the phenylpyrazole class conferring selective antagonistic activity on insect GABA receptors. After repeated daily dietary administration to Wistar rats for 28/90 days, Nicofluprole induced increases in thyroid (and liver) weight, associated with histopathology changes. Nicofluprole did not inhibit thyroid peroxydase nor sodium/iodide symporter, two key players in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, indicating the absence of a direct thyroid effect. The results seen in rats suggested a mode of action of Nicofluprole driven by the molecular initiating event of CAR/PXR nuclear receptor activation in livers, with key events of increases in liver weight and hypertrophy, decreasing circulatory thyroid hormones, a compensatory increase in TSH release and follicular cell hypertrophy. To explore the relevance of these changes to humans, well established in vitro rat and human sandwich-cultured hepatocytes were exposed to Nicofluprole up to 7 days. A concentration-dependent CYP3A induction (PXR-activation), an increase in T4-glucuronoconjugation accompanied by UGT1A/2B inductions was observed in rat but not in human hepatocytes. The inductions seen with Nicofluprole in rat (in vivo and in vitro in hepatocytes) that were absent in human hepatocytes represent another example of species-selectivity of nuclear CAR/PXR receptor activators. Importantly, the different pattern observed in rat and human models demonstrate that Nicofluprole-related thyroid effects observed in the rat are with no human relevance.

To Study the Deteriorating Effects of Lithium Carbonate on Thyroid Gland - A Study in Albino Rats

Background: The human thyroid gland is located in the front of neck. It consists of two lobes. The two lobes are joined with each other by isthmus. The mood stabilizer Lithium Caronate has deleterious effects on the thyroid gland. Aim: To observe and report the data of the harmful effect of Lithium on the weight changes of thyroid gland. Methods: Sixteen rats were selected for this experimental study. The rodents were divided into two groups. Group A comprised of eight animals which were given laboratory diet, Group B contained eight albinos who were given Tablet Lithium Carbonate in powder form at a dose of 60 mg/day for four weeks. After completion of the study time animals were sacrificed and thyroid gland weight were recorded and compared in both groups. Results: The results in both groups were recorded and compared .It was reported that Group B animals had a highly significantly decreased thyroid weight after four weeks Lithium ingestion than Group A control group. Conclusion: The results of our study concluded that Lithium Carbonate damages thyroid glandular tissue and causes its weight to decline. Key words: Thyroid gland, Isthmus, deteriorating

The Impairment of Thyroid Hormones Homeostasis after Short-Term Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in Adolescent Male Rats.

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) could induce metabolic disorders through interfering with thyroid homeostasis. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of short term to environmental relevant doses of DEHP on thyroid hormones. Four week old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with vehicle (corn oil), and DEHP 0.75, 7.5, and 150 mg/kg/day. The rats were treated with once daily by oral gavage and were sacrificed with after 1 week. They were measured body weight and relative thyroid weight, serum thyroid hormones and histological changes of thyroid. There was no difference in body weight between the control and DEHP exposed rats. Relative thyroid weight in DEHP 150 mg/kg/day treated group was significantly lower than control. Serum thyroxine levels was decreased in rats exposed to 0.75 and 150 mg/kg/day DEHP. No histological changes were observed in the thyroid of rats administered DEHP compared to control. Exposure to DEHP at environmental relevant levels, even short-term exposure, can cause hypothyroidism in adolescent rats even the exposure period is relative short.

Late-Gestation in utero Heat Stress Limits Dairy Heifer Early-Life Growth and Organ Development

Dairy calves exposed to late-gestation heat stress weigh less, have impaired immunity, produce less milk across multiple lactations, and have reduced productive life. However, less is known about the relationship between in utero heat stress and organ morphology and development. Herein, we characterized the consequences of late-gestation in utero heat stress on body and organ growth trajectories during early-life development. Holstein heifers were either in utero heat-stressed (IU-HT, n = 36, dams exposed to THI > 68) or cooled (IU-CL, n = 37, dams exposed to THI > 68 with access to active cooling) during late gestation (54 ± 5 d prepartum). All heifers were reared identically from birth to weaning. Upon birth, calves were weighed and fed 3.78 L of colostrum followed by 0.87 kg DM/d milk replacer (MR) over two feedings and ad libitum starter concentrate daily. Weaning began at 49 d and ended at 56 d of age. Feed intake was recorded daily, and body weight (BW) and other growth measures were recorded at 0, 28, 56, and 63 d. Blood was collected at d 1 then weekly. Subsets of heifers were selected for euthanasia at birth and 7 d after complete weaning (n = 8 per group each) to harvest and weigh major organs. Reduced BW and stature measures persisted in IU-HT heifers from 0 to 63 d of age with a 7% lower average daily gain and reduced starter consumption relative to IU-CL heifers. IU-HT heifers had lower hematocrit percentages and reduced apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG relative to IU-CL heifers. Additionally, IU-HT heifers had reduced gross thymus, spleen, thyroid gland, and heart weight at birth and larger adrenal glands and kidneys but smaller ovaries relative to BW at 63 d. The mammary gland of IU-HT heifers was smaller relative to IU-CL heifers at birth and 63 d adjusted for BW, suggesting mechanisms leading to impaired milk yield in mature IU-HT cows are initiated early in development. In summary, in utero heat stress reduces whole-body size and limits development of key organs with potential repercussions on dairy calf metabolic adaptation, immune function, and future productivity.

​Comparative Gross Anatomical and Biometrical Studies on Thyroid Gland of Buffalo, Sheep and Goat

Background: The thyroid gland is vital endocrine gland which secretes three hormones i.e. thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and Calcitonin hormones. The thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones are biologically active and are required for maintenance of normal levels of metabolic activity. The thyroid also produces calcitonin from the parafollicular cells which act directly on osteoclast to decrease the bone resorption which lower the blood calcium level. Deficient or excessive production of thyroid hormones may lead to serious pathological states with outward symptoms. Methods: The gross anatomical and biometrical studies were conducted on thyroid gland of buffalo, sheep and goat (n=12) collected immediately after slaughtering from slaughter house and local meat shop. The weight of thyroid gland was measured by weighing balance, volume by water displacement method, length and width of lateral lobes and isthmus by calibrated scale and inelastic thread and thickness of lateral lobes and isthmus was measured by digital vernier calliper. The data was analysed statistically. Result: The lateral lobes were roughly triangular in buffalo and elongated in sheep and oval in goat. The surfaces were granular and rough in buffalo but smooth in sheep and goat. It extended from thyroid cartilage to 2nd tracheal ring in buffalo, 1st to 6th tracheal ring in sheep and 1st to 7th tracheal ring in goat. The left lobe was larger than the right lobe in all the three species studied. The thyroid gland was biggest in buffalo followed by goat and smallest in sheep. The density of isthmus was more than the lobes in sheep and goat but not in buffalo.

Combined lead and zinc oxide-nanoparticles induced thyroid toxicity through 8-OHdG oxidative stress-mediated inflammation, apoptosis, and Nrf2 activation in rats.

A human is exposed to a chemical mixture rather than a single chemical, particularly with the wide spread of nanomaterials. Therefore, the present study evaluated the combined exposure of lead acetate (Pb) and zinc oxide-nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) compared to each metal alone on the thyroid gland of adult rats. A total of 30 adult male albino rats were divided into four groups, group I (control), group II received Pb (10mg/kg), group III received ZnO-NPs (85 mg/kg) and group IV co-administrated the two metals in the same previous doses. The materials were gavaged for 8 weeks. The toxicity was assessed through several biochemical parameters. Our results revealed significant body weight reduction relative to increased thyroid weights, decreased both of serum-free triiodothyronine (FT3), tetra-iodothyronine (FT4), increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), increased serum and thyroid levels of Pb and zinc, significant elevation in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), reduction in interleukin 4 (IL4), upregulation of Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2 genes. Additionally, there was significant overexpression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine(8-OHdG), the elevation of tissues malondialdehyde (MDA), reduction of tissues total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and disruptive thyroid structural alterations in all metals groups with marked changes in the combined metals group. In conclusion, the combined exposure of Pb and ZnO-NPs induced pronounced toxic thyroid injury, pointing to additive effects in rats than the individual metal effects through different significant changes of disruptive thyroid structural alterations related to the loading of thyroid tissues with Pb and zinc metals producing oxidative stress that mediated inflammation and apoptosis.

Possible Disrupting Effect of Different Doses of Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) on Thyroid Follicular Cells of Adult Male Albino Rats: Anatomical, Histological & Biochemical Study

Background:Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant which is absorbed mainly through gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. It was introduced to the food industry as a safe preservative and to the pharmaceutical industry in cosmetics manufacturing and as an additive to fat-soluble vitamins to prevent rancidity. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves BHA as a safe food additive in a maximum oral dose of 150 mg/ kg, meanwhile it is a potential allergen. A new question has been raised if BHA is a potential human carcinogen? another potential hazard is also a recent concern as the compound has been linked with some endocrine disruption. The endocrine effect of BHA is associated with sex hormones, a little has been known about the exact effect neither on them nor on other hormones.Aim of the work:This work aimed to assess the possible disrupting effect of different doses of BHA on thyroid follicular cells.Materials and methods:This study was conducted on 30 adult male albino rats. 12 as control and 18 divided equally to 3 groups and received 10, 100 and 500 mg/kg body weight of BHA dissolved in corn oil orally for 42 days. All animals were examined for body and thyroid weight, thyroid hormones and oxidative markers levels. Semithin and ultrastructural examination of thyroid follicles were done for all. All data were statistically analyzed.Results:All data revealed dose defendant disrupting effect of BHA on thyroid and follicular cells. Variable follicular shapes and multiple layers of vacuolated cells and dilated endoplasmic reticulum. Histological findings were confirmed by both anatomical and biochemical examinations.conclusion:BHA has a possible thyroid disrupting effect in long term intake. This effect is dose dependent and significantly recognized in moderate and high doses intake.

Protective Effects of Selenium and Zinc Against Nickel Chloride-Induced Hormonal Changes and Oxidative Damage in Thyroid of Pregnant Rats.

Nickel chloride (NiCl2) is a heavy metal that may affect the function of the thyroid. Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements involved in thyroid hormone metabolism. However, little is reported about thyrotoxicity during gestation. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effects of selenium and zinc against NiCl2-induced thyrotoxicity in pregnant Wistar rats. Female rats were treated subcutaneously (s.c.) on the 3rd day of pregnancy, with NaCl 0.9% and served as control, NiCl2 (100mg/kg body weight (BW)) alone, or in association with Se (0.3mg/kg, s.c.), ZnCl2 (20mg/kg, s.c.), or both of them simultaneously. Oxidative stress parameters, thyroid biomarkers, and histopathological examination were evaluated. Results showed that NiCl2 exposure caused a significant decrease in maternal body weight and an increase in absolute and relative thyroid weight compared to the controls. NiCl2 administration also led to decreased plasma triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) with a concomitant significant increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels when compared to that of control. In addition, an overall pro-oxidant effect was associated with a decrease in the reduced glutathione (GSH) and nonprotein thiol (NPSH) contents and the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA). These biochemical disturbances were confirmed by histological changes. However, the co-treatment of Se and/or ZnCl2 attenuates NiCl2-induced changes. Our findings suggested that Se and ZnCl2 ameliorated NiCl2-induced thyrotoxicity in pregnant Wistar rats by exhibiting antioxidant effects.

Effects of Maternal Hypothyroidism on the Pubertal Development in Female Rat Offspring.

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of maternal hypothyroidism and puberty onset in female rat pups. To do this, we employed propylthiouracil (PTU) to prepare a hypothyroid rat model. Pregnant rats were treated with PTU (0.025%) in drinking water from gestational day 14 to postnatal day 21 of offspring. Comparison of general indices such as body and tissue weights and puberty indices such as vaginal opening (VO) and tissue histology between control and PTU-treated rats were conducted. There was no significant difference in the date of VO between control and PTU group. The body weights of the PTU group were significantly lower, only 36.8% of the control group (p<0.001). Although the absolute thyroid weight was not changed by PTU treatment, the relative weight increased significantly about 2.8 times (p<0.001), indicating that hypothyroidism was successfully induced. On the other hand, the absolute weights of the ovary and uterus were markedly decreased by PTU administration (p<0.001), and the relative weight was not significantly changed. The ovarian histology of PTU group revealed the advanced state of differentiation (i.e., presence of corpora lutea). Inversely, the uterine histology of PTU group showed underdeveloped structures compared those in control group. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that our maternal hypothyroidism model resulted in minimal effect on pubertal development symbolized by VO despite of huge retardation in somatic growth. More sophisticatedly designed hypothyroidism model will be helpful to achieve a better understanding of pubertal development and related disorders.

Effect of Thyromimetic GC-1 Selective Signaling on Reproductive and Lactational Performance in the Hypothyroid Rat

Introduction: The potential of the thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ1) selective analog GC-1 has been widely proven in animal models and humans. However, its effect on the reproductive stage of the female rat has not been evaluated. Methods: The effect of the administration of GC-1 or equimolar doses of triiodothyronine (T3) was evaluated on the reproductive performance of the hypothyroid female rat and the indirect effect on pup thyroid status, weight, and survival. Results: Hypothyroidism reduced the number of embryos implanted in the uterus, whereas T3 and GC-1 treatment in hypothyroid females reestablished the number of implanted embryos to normal. Initiation of labor was delayed by hypothyroidism, and T3 replacement treatment reinstated the normal timing of parturition. The administration of GC-1 alone to the lactating mother did not affect pup survival, weight, or thyroidal status. Conclusions: Our findings show the differential effect of thyroid hormone selective signaling during gestation and the indirect exposure of the pups; we also emphasize the plausible use of GC-1 for treatment of hypothyroid mothers during the lactation period.

Associations Between Thyroid Volume and Physical Growth in Pubertal Girls: Thyroid Volume Indexes Need to Be Applied to Thyroid Volume Assessments.

BackgroundThyroid volume (Tvol) is associated with many factors, but the current reference values for Tvol in children with sufficient iodine intake are inappropriate and need to be updated. Moderate changes in thyroid morphology and accentuated increases in body fat percentage occur during puberty as an adaption of the body and sexual development occurs. This study aimed to evaluate the influences of physical growth on Tvol and propose an easily applicable method for conducting Tvol assessments in pubertal girls with sufficient iodine intake.MethodsA cohort study was conducted on 481 pubertal girls in East China from 2017 to 2019. B-ultrasound was used to assess Tvol. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of Tvol enlargement (dTvol) with changes in height (dH), weight (dW), waist circumference (dW), body mass index (dBMI), and body surface area (dBSA). Thyroid volume indexes (TVIs), including height thyroid volume index (HVI), weight and height thyroid volume index (WHVI), body mass index thyroid index (BMIV), and body surface area thyroid index (BSAV), were calculated to explore an appropriate method for Tvol assessments by Spearman correlation analyses.ResultsTvol, height, weight, BMI, and BSA increased significantly from baseline to follow-up (P<0.001). The associations between dTvol and physical growth were only observed in the 13 to 14-year-old group. dH, dW,dBMI, and dBSA were positively related to dTvol, with the maximum β of 5.74 (95%CI: 2.54 to 8.94) on dBSA, while dWC was negatively related to dTvol (β= -0.05, 95%CI: -0.08 to -0.03). Both dHVI and dBSAV were not associated with dH, dW, dBMI, or dBSA in both age groups (P>0.05).ConclusionsThyroid volume was associated with physical growth in pubertal girls in East China, both age and anthropometric measurements must be comprehensively considered to establish the reference values for Tvol. HVI, and BSAV may be better indicators for Tvol assessments in pubertal girls.

Solitary Fibrous Thyroid Tumor: A Case Report

Introduction: Solitary fibrous thyroid nodules are rare tumors and can mimic benign thyroid goiter and neoplasms. Case Description45 years old Caucasian female, with no significant past medical history, who presented to endocrinologyclinic for left neck mass evaluation. She denied previous history of thyroid disease, weight loss, cold/heatintolerance, menstrual irregularity, toxic or obstructive thyroid related symptoms. Her family history issignificant for maternal pancreatic cancer. Clinical exam was unremarkable except for left thyroid mass. An initial thyroid ultrasound showed left thyroid nodule 20 x16 x 25 mm in size five years prior topresentation. Repeated Fine Needle aspiration yielded benign follicular cells, histiocytes and fewlymphocytes. The nodule continued to increase in size reaching 46 mm in the long axis per thyroidultrasound at presentation to clinic. Her TSH, FT4 and total T3 remained within normal ranges. She wasreferred for surgical evaluation and underwent left thyroid lobectomy. Pathology reported 50 mm wellcircumscribed intrathyroidal neoplasm composed of spindle cells with pauci to moderate cellularity with noincreased mitotic activity, nuclear atypia, or necrosis. Immunohistochemistry was positive for STAT 6 andCD34and negative for PAX-8, TTF-1, S100 and SMA. The patient remains euthyroid with no lymph nodeor organ involvement after 5 years from initial presentation. Discussion: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) of the thyroid are rare although they have been described in differentanatomic sites (1). It presents as slow growing, painless, non toxic nodule in middle age of both sexes (1,2). The diagnosis of these tumors via FNA is difficult due to cellular paucity. Histologic findings may bechallenging due to shared features with other thyroid undifferentiated, papillary and follicular cancervariants. Immunohistochemistry are warranted to assist in confirmation-STAT6 and CD34 (3). SFT tumorsare mostly benign tumors and carries favorable prognosis.

Thyroid Ultrasound Findings and Its Associated Parameters in Saudi People

Background: Thyroid abnormalities are the most common endocrine abnormalities in Saudi Arabia (KSA). Ultrasonography (USG) is the commonest method of thyroid gland imaging. Thyroid lesions prevalence depends on factors such as sex, age, iodine intake, and other metabolic parameters. Objectives: Investigating different thyroid lesions and their associated clinical parameters. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of adult residents who visited Internal Medicine Clinic in Riyadh, KSA. 206 participants were subjected to thyroid USG, weight and height measurement, laboratory investigations including FBG, HbA1C, ALT, AST, creatinine, uric acid, lipid profile, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and FT4. Results: Thyroid nodules were found in 27.2%, 30.1% had thyroiditis, and 6.8% had pure cysts. There was a significant prevalence of thyroid ultrasound findings within different age groups, (P = 0.002). The highest BMI was found in subjects with nodular size ≤1cm. Subjects with thyroid nodules had higher level of FBG, HbA1c, ALT, AST, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and TSH. The most frequent thyroid status was euthyroid, followed by subclinical hypothyroidism which had higher frequency in subjects with nodular size ≤1cm (30.8%). Conclusion: Imaging, particularly USG, plays an important role in classifying thyroid gland abnormalities. We found that thyroid lesions, including nodules, pure cysts, and thyroiditis, were non-significantly positively associated with disturbed metabolic profile such as high FBS, HBA1C, ALT, AST, total cholesterol, and LDL levels. Our results for biochemical parameters do not allow inferences on whether they are independent factors associated with thyroid lesions or not.

Hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma showing goiter-like presentation and rapid growth.

SummaryWe present the case of a 47-year-old Caucasian previously healthy woman with a voluminous thyroid nodule occupying almost the entire anterior neck region. The lesion had progressively increased in size during the previous 3 months and the patient presented intermittent symptoms of dysphagia and odynophagia with a slight change in voice. Fine needle aspiration showed papillary carcinoma. Based on imaging and cytological findings, the patient underwent total thyroidectomy. The surgical sample revealed a totally enlarged thyroid gland (weight: 208 g) with the presence of a poly-lobulated lesion centrally located and involving the isthmus and both lobes. Hobnail features were present in more than 30% of the neoplastic cells in agreement with the criteria for this subtype. Psammoma bodies and focal necrosis were also present. The extra-thyroidal extension included strap muscles and peri-esophageal glands. Immunohistochemistry using VE1 antibody for detecting BRAF-V600E mutation resulted positive. The final diagnosis was papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) hobnail variant (HVPTC)-pT4a. The HVPTC is a rare entity and, in most cases, appears like a unifocal lesion with a maximum tumor size of 8 cm reported so far. To our knowledge, this represents the largest tumor ever described (14 cm), showing rapid growth and with multinodular goiter-like aspect.Learning pointsHVPTC is an aggressive variant of PTC, usually associated with radioactive iodine refractoriness, and a higher mortality rate compared to classic PTC. However, there is a marked individual variability in this association.HVPTC usually appears as small unifocal lesion but a multinodular goiter presentation may occur.The present case highlights that despite of the histology, our patient achieved a high ablation success rate after radioactive iodine therapy.

Effect of Age and Season on the Growth of some Endocrine and Lympho-Epithelioid Glands in Nigerian and White Leghorn Pullets

THE endocrine glands (pituitary, adrenal, thyroid), and thymus and bursa of Fabricius of Nigerian und White Leghorn pullets were studied from 2 weeks to 32 weeks of age in the wet and dry seasons of Nigeria. Pituitary weights were significantly (P &lt;0.005) greater in the wet season-reared than in the dry season — reared birds. Adrenal weight differences due to breed were significant, but had no significant influence on this parameter, Nigerian pullets had significantly (P &lt;0.005) greater thyroid Weights (absolute and relative) than the Leghorns, and the absolute weights were also significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher in the wet that in the dry season. The differences in thymus weights between breeds and seasons were not significant but the interaction between season and age, and between breed and age were highly significant (P &lt; 0.005). The relative thymus weights were generally and significantly greater (P ... 0.0005, in the Nigerian than in the Leghorn pullets. The interaction between age and season and between breed and age were also highly significant [P &lt;0.005] in respect to the bursa. The effect of season and breed on the growth of the bursa was also highly significant (p &lt;0.005). The possible significance of these findings in relation to the general physiology of the two breeds of chicken were discussed.&#x0D;

Neck complaints before and after uncomplicated thyroidectomy: prevalence, postoperative outcome and relationships with thyroid weight and reflux like symptoms

PurposeThe surgical thyroid disease includes upper aerodigestive complaints with not homogenous prevalence and specific features. The purpose was to analyze before and after total thyroidectomy (TT) the prevalence and severity of voice, swallowing, respiratory, and reflux airway symptoms in relation with thyroid weight.MethodsA total of 98 consenting patients undergoing TT were enrolled. Preoperatively, 1 and 3 months after TT, patients underwent videolaryngoscopy, subjective evaluation of voice (VIS), swallowing (SIS and EAT-10), respiratory (mMRC), and reflux symptoms (RSI, Gerd-Q). The scores were analyzed based on thyroid weight (<25 gr, 26–50 gr, 51–75 gr, >75 gr) and post-operative score gain was calculated from the score before TT and the follow-up examination.ResultsIn total, 40/98 selected cases of uncomplicated TT completed the postoperative evaluation. Endoscopic signs suggestive of reflux disease were observed in 1/40 (2.5%) and 0/19 cases before and after TT respectively. The prevalence of cases with abnormal reflux symptom index decreased significantly after surgery (8/40 vs 1/40) (p < 0.05), similarly occurred for the Gerd-Q (4/40 vs 1/40) (p < 0.05). Three months after TT the voice, swallowing and respiratory scores were significantly lower than the preoperative ones (p < 0.05). The SIS correlated positively with EAT-10 and RSI. After 3 months the postoperative score gain of voice, swallowing, respiratory, and reflux symptoms (Gerd-Q) was statistically higher (p < 0.05) in the cases with heaviest gland.ConclusionsThe surgical thyroid disease is associated to mild aerodigestive preoperative compressive symptoms, that include respiratory abnormalities and reflux like symptoms, regardless of the gland weight. In absence of endoscopic signs of airway reflux the presence of reflux symptoms suggests an overlapping with thyroid neck complaints. The patients undergoing uncomplicated TT had improvement in compressive symptoms and the greatest improvement is seen in larger goiters.

Efficacy of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for completion thyroidectomy

ObjectiveMinimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is among the most common alternatives to conventional open thyroidectomy. Previous reports have shown it to be safe and effective in patients without neck surgery history. However, this contraindication has been called into question in more recent small series. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MIVAT in patients with prior neck surgery. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 178 patients who underwent completion thyroidectomy in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center between July 2004 and July 2017. Patients were divided into MIVAT group and Conventional group based on method of surgery, and analysis with two sample tests of proportions was carried out as appropriate. ResultsPatients in MIVAT group had significantly shorter operative time (74.1 ± 26.4 min vs. 99.0 ± 49.3 min, p < 0.001), less estimated blood loss (19.5 ± 15.0 mL vs. 39.0 ± 65.9 mL, p = 0.002), smaller incision size (3.5 ± 1.1 cm vs. 6.2 ± 2.2 cm, p < 0.001), and a lighter thyroid weight (7.5 ± 5.2 g vs. 20.5 ± 31.1 g, p < 0.001). The average length of stay was a half day longer, and post-operative admission was higher (78.8% vs. 51.7%, p = 0.005) in MIVAT group, while most was for routine 23-hour observation (63.6% vs. 35.9%, p = 0.009). There were no differences in complications. ConclusionMIVAT is feasible for re-operative patients with equivalent or superior outcomes to those of conventional thyroidectomy, and no significant difference in the incidences of common postoperative complications.

Effects of photoperiod on thyroid gland development and function in growing chicks: a biochemical and morphometric study

Context Light treatment has a regulatory role in some growth-related functions, including thyroid development in chicks. Aims This study aimed to investigate the effects of different photoperiod treatments on thyroid organ weight and serum thyroid hormone concentrations of broilers by use of biochemical and histological methods. Methods After the hatching, 120 broiler chicks (Ross) were divided into two main groups according to sex. Both groups were then split into two sub-groups based on photoperiod treatment: 16 h (i.e. 16 h light:8 h dark) and 24 h (24 h light:0 h dark). Thyroid gland and blood samples of six animals from each group were obtained after slaughtering at 7-day intervals from Day 14 after hatching to Day 42. Serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxin (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined by the chemiluminescence method for all groups. Thyroid weight, bodyweight and thyroid follicle diameter were also measured. Key results Thyroid weight:bodyweight ratio generally started to increase from Day 14 to Day 42, with no significant (P &gt; 0.05) difference among the groups at the same age. For both male and female broiler chicks, morphometric measures increased as birds grew. Serum FT3 and TSH concentrations slightly decreased and serum FT4 concentrations increased in growing chicks of both sexes. Conclusions Extending the photoperiod from 16 to 24 h had no effects on thyroid gland development or functions in terms of both biochemical and morphometric parameters in broiler chicks. Implications Continuous light has minimal effects on thyroid functions of growing broiler chicks to Day 42.