Oxidative damage to macromolecules in the thyroid - experimental evidence

Whereas oxidative reactions occur in all tissues and organs, the thyroid gland constitutes such an organ, in which oxidative processes are indispensable for thyroid hormone synthesis. It is estimated that huge amount of reactive oxygen species, especially of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are produced in the thyroid under physiological conditions, justifying the statement that the thyroid gland is an organ of “oxidative nature”. Apart from H2O2, also other free radicals or reactive species, formed from iodine or tyrosine residues, participate in thyroid hormone synthesis. Under physiological conditions, there is a balance between generation and detoxification of free radicals. Effective protective mechanisms, comprising antioxidative molecules and the process of compartmentalization of potentially toxic molecules, must have been developed in the thyroid to maintain this balance. However, with additional oxidative abuse caused by exogenous or endogenous prooxidants (ionizing radiation being the most spectacular), increased damage to macromolecules occurs, potentially leading to different thyroid diseases, cancer included.