European journal of molecular biology and biochemistry

A STUDY ON CORRELATION BETWEEN SMOKING AND THYROID FUNCTION

Abdur Rehman Asif, N. Vani

arahbk@gmail.com

Thiocyanate, hyperthyroidism, smoking.

Background & Objectives: This study was conducted to explore possible correlation between smoking habit and thyroid hormone levels and function in Osmania general hospital, Hyderabad. A total of 82 volunteers i.e. all case were male screened. 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 TSH, T3 and T4 were measured. The data was analyzed 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, there is a significant increase in the thyroid hormones of group 2. There is a significant decrease is serum TSH levels is observed in the cases compared to the controls. Mean±S.D of TSH in Group 1 is 2.712±0.8386 and Group 2 is 1.003±1.123, there is a significant decrease in serum TSH levels in Group 2. Interpretations & Conclusion: The findings in this study indicates that smoking is associated with 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.