Maternal hypothyroidism and fetal hepatic diseases. Ongoing debates and key issues.

What is it about?

Ahmed, R.G., 2018. Maternal hypothyroidism and fetal hepatic diseases. Ongoing debates and key issues. ARC Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AJPS) 4(1), 20-24. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2455-1538.0401005 There is a significant relationship between the maternofetal thyroid gland and the liver in normal or abnormal states. The normal activities of maternal thyroid hormones (THs) are needed for the fetal/neonatal development, particularly the hepatic function, lipid homeostasis, the basal metabolic rate of hepatocyte, and the bilirubin metabolism. In addition, the liver has a significant action in THs metabolism by deiodinases (D1, D2 and D3). The alterations in hepatic lipid homeostasis due to the abnormality in thyroid states might cause a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; a very common liver disorder). On the other hand, thyroid disorders may disturb the liver function, glycogen accumulation and hepatic fatty acid composition, and elevate the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. It is recommended to detect the levels of T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with liver disorders, to include or exclude the thyroid disorders with unexplained liver abnormalities. Further studies are essential to elucidate the prospective relations with human health.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The alterations in hepatic lipid homeostasis due to the abnormality in thyroid states might cause a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; a very common liver disorder). On the other hand, thyroid disorders may disturb the liver function, glycogen accumulation and hepatic fatty acid composition, and elevate the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase.

Perspectives