Acta Biomedica Scientia

A CASE CONTROL STUDY ON EFFECT OF SMOKING ON THYROID HARMONES (T3&T4)

Abdur Rehman Asif*, N. Vani

arahbk@gmail.com

Thiocyanate, hyperthyroidism, smoking.

Background:-Tobacco is the most common illicit psychoactive substances being used globally and is the biggest contributors to mortality and morbidity. Tobacco has multiple effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and the functioning of the thyroid gland.Smoking is the most common addiction in general population. Tobacco smoking is considered as the commonest source of toxic chemical exposure and chemically mediated illness in humans. It has varied effects on thyroid function. The effect of smoking on thyroid is believed to be due to the compound thiocyanate, a potent inhibitor of iodide transport, potentially capable of affecting the thyroid function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the thyroid hormones status in smokers. Methods: A case control study is done with 82 patients divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (healthy male non-smokers) as control and Group 2 (healthy male smokers) as cases with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fasting blood samples were collected and serum T3 and T4 were measured. The data was analysed using unpaired t test. Results: In the present study significant increase in thyroid hormones T3 and T4 levels is observed in the cases compared to the controls. Mean±S.D of T3 and T4 in Group 1 is 1.077±0.3469, 8.745±1.215 and in Group 2 is 1.541±0.3644, 9.822±2.066 respectively, so there is a significant increase in the thyroid hormones of group 2. Interpretations & Conclusion: The finding in this study indicates that smoking is associated with increase thyroid hormones T3 and T4 in blood (biochemical hyperthyroidism). Hence evaluating thyroid hormone status in smokers might help in identifying occurrence of thyroid disorders and appropriate measures could be taken to prevent severity of morbidity and mortality associated with smoking.