Maternal hypothyroidism and developing hyperhomocysteinemia.

What is it about?

A regular transfer of thyroid hormones (THs) from the placenta to fetuses/neonates is needed for the development, particularly the levels of homocysteine and the concentrations of lipid profile. There are associations between the clinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism with the hyperhomocysteinemia. This abnormal state can increase the risk of atherosclerotic heart diseases (cardiovascular diseases) such as coronary artery disease (CAD) Also, hyperhomocysteinemia-induced with hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism can increase the homeostatic index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). IR can perturb the insulin pathway, glucose metabolism, adipokine production, and lipogenesis in several organs such as the adipose tissue, muscles and liver. Hyperhomocysteinemia can increase the cardiovascular diseases, strokes and heart attacks by several mechanisms as the following: (1) oxidative stress; (2) platelet aggregation; (3) endoplasmic reticulum stress; (4) endothelial dysfunction; (5) smooth muscle cell proliferation; and (6) augmenting the responsiveness of monocytes to inflammatory stimuli. This disruption may delay the fetal and neonatal development. However, the underlying effects of hypothyroidism and hyperhomocysteinemia on the IR remain indistinguishable. In general, this report suggested that pregnant dams should be encouraged to evade the hypothyroxinaemia and hyperhomocysteinemia by following the profile of thyroid gland and the levels of homocysteine during the gestation. More information is wanted to evaluate these investigations and to follow the destructive effects of maternofetal thyroid disorders and hyperhomocysteinemia on the IR and fetal and neonatal development. In addition, the connection between the developmental and biochemical studies is required.

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Why is it important?

This report suggested that pregnant dams should be encouraged to evade the hypothyroxinaemia and hyperhomocysteinemia by following the profile of thyroid gland and the levels of homocysteine during the gestation.

Perspectives