Maternal thyroid hormones and ageing process.

What is it about?

Ahmed, R.G., 2018. Maternal thyroid hormones and ageing process. International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences (IJRSB) 6(2), 30-34. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2349-0365.0602005 The regular levels of maternal thyroid hormones (THs) during the gestation show a fundamental action in the developing brain of fetuses, neonates. In general, the equilibrium in the maternal hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPTA) shows significant roles during the development and adulthood periods. On the other hand, subclinical hypothyroidism can increase the risk of longevity. Also, there are direct associations between the subclinical hypothyroidism and cardiovascular disorders (both ischemic heart disease and stroke). In mild thyroid dysfunctions with the ageing process, several neurological diseases such as cognitive defects and dementia can be developed and progressed. The distortion in the levels of THs in the brain (basal forebrain cholinergic neurons) due to some modifications in the activities of deiodinases could cause Alzheimer disease (AD; abnormal deposition or aggregations of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain). This might be related to the clinical appearance of dementia. Thus, the frequency of thyroid disorders may upsurge with age. In addition, the dysregulations in the maternal THs may delay the development of neural connections, and neurobehavioral responses. These sustained problems may confirm the presence of ageing disorders in the future. However, these alterations may depend on the nature of population, sex, age, nutrition, and ethnicity. Thus, serum T4, T3 and TSH testing should be done in both mothers and their neonates during the early suckling period so that any thyroid dysfunctions can be identified early and treated to avoid the ageing disorders in adult. In addition, supplementary studies are desired to identify whether the problems of maternal thyroid dysfunctions may increase the risk of persistent conflicts and ageing defects. These arguments require more examinations and special attentions in elderly persons.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The frequency of thyroid disorders may upsurge with age. In addition, the dysregulations in the maternal THs may delay the development of neural connections, and neurobehavioral responses. These sustained problems may confirm the presence of ageing disorders in the future. However, these alterations may depend on the nature of population, sex, age, nutrition, and ethnicity. Thus, serum T4, T3 and TSH testing should be done in both mothers and their neonates during the early suckling period so that any thyroid dysfunctions can be identified early and treated to avoid the ageing disorders in adult. In addition, supplementary studies are desired to identify whether the problems of maternal thyroid dysfunctions may increase the risk of persistent conflicts and ageing defects. These arguments require more examinations and special attentions in elderly persons.

Perspectives