Oxidative stress and protein glycation in primary hypothyroidism. Male/female difference

Oxidative stress (OS) has recently been documented in hypothyroidism, a disease more prevalent in women. In general, OS is reported to be more prevalent in males. However, the effect of gender on OS and protein glycation in hypothyroidism has not been addressed. Blood samples from 37 recently diagnosed primary hypothyroid patients were collected before initiation of thyroxine therapy. Serum glucose, thyroid and lipid profiles were estimated. Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonylation (PCO) and fructosamine levels were analysed. GSH was found to be lower, whereas MDA, fructosamine and PCO levels were higher in male than in female patients. Level of MDA was significantly correlated with fructosamine, protein carbonyls, cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and GSH in hypothyroid patients. We found OS to be more prevalent in male hypothyroid patients. The positive association of MDA with fructosamine indicates that enhanced lipid peroxidation could be a plausible contributor for accelerated glycation of protein. Considering the negative influence of OS on health, extra attention should be paid to male hypothyroid patients in spite of the low prevalence of this disease in them.