GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THYROIDECTOMY-INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS AND IMPAIRED GLUCOSE LEVELS: ROLE OF L-THYROXINE

Georgian Med News. 2024 Apr:(349):89-92.

Abstract

Thyroxine, a key regulator of metabolic pathways, plays a pivotal role in glucose metabolism and the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. In clinical practice, L-thyroxine replacement therapy is commonly prescribed for patients with hypothyroidism. However, the specific effects of L-thyroxine and thyroidectomy (TX) on glucose levels remain an area of interest and investigation. In this study, 20 rats were divided into two groups (n=10 per group). The TX group (male and female rats) underwent thyroidectomy for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, male and female thyroidectomized rats received L-thyroxine (10 μg/100 g/day, intraperitoneally) for 4 weeks. The rats' weights were monitored weekly post-surgery. Compared to the initial level, thyroidectomy resulted in weight loss, whereas L-thyroxine replacement therapy normalized the weight loss induced by thyroidectomy. Additionally, thyroidectomy led to impaired glucose levels, which were restored to normal levels with L-thyroxine treatment. These findings underscore the impact of thyroid function on glucose metabolism and highlight the potential therapeutic role of L-thyroxine.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose* / drug effects
  • Blood Glucose* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Sex Factors
  • Thyroidectomy* / adverse effects
  • Thyroxine* / blood
  • Weight Loss* / drug effects

Substances

  • Thyroxine
  • Blood Glucose