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BACKGROUND: A substantial majority of women in India report experiencing stress frequently, with a significant number indicating a lack of time for relaxation. Women within a central productive age bracket often report higher stress levels. Chronic stress can lead to the development of autoimmune disorders affecting the thyroid gland. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between perceived stress and thyroid function among apparently normal women of reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted at the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) after obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethical Committee and informed written consent from the participants. One hundred and fourteen working women aged 20-49 who consented to the study and had no personal or family history of medical illness or thyroid disease were randomly selected. Stress levels were measured using a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and thyroid parameters (total triiodothyronine [T3], total thyroxine [T4], and thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) in blood samples were assessed by the electrochemical luminescence immunoassay method. Anthropometric parameters such as age and body mass index (BMI), as well as vital parameters like pulse rate and blood pressure, were measured for all participants. A detailed history was also recorded, including marital status, duration of married life, education, number of children, type of family, per capita income, phase of menstrual cycle, and dietary habits. RESULTS: The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. The analysis used Pearson's chi-square test, Student's t-test, and binary logistic regression. A positive correlation was observed between PSS and TSH (correlation coefficient "r" value = 0.060) without a significant p-value. Participants were divided into two groups based on TSH values: those with normal thyroid function (TSH <4.2 international units [IU]) and those with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) (TSH >4.2 IU). Both groups had total T3 and T4 levels within the normal reference range. A highly significant difference was observed for age, BMI, TSH, marital status, and duration of married life between women with normal thyroid function and those with SCH. No significant difference was found between the two groups for PSS. DISCUSSION: Both acute and chronic stress affect thyroid function through the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Psychological and physiological stressors induce immune modulations that can lead to autoimmune thyroid diseases, resulting in hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: The study examined the link between stress and thyroid health in women of childbearing age, revealing a trend where higher stress levels corresponded with increased TSH levels, though not significantly. It also found that older age, higher BMI, and longer duration of marriage were linked to a greater occurrence of SCH. These findings underscore the potential influence of lifestyle factors and stress on thyroid function, suggesting that stress management and demographic factors should be considered in managing thyroid health. For women of reproductive age under high stress, routine monitoring of thyroid function could be beneficial for overall health maintenance.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Plasma sialic acid levels are elevated in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients with proteinuria. Renal damage is mainly caused by free radicals that are excessively generated in DM. Thiols play an important role in the cellular antioxidative defence mechanisms mainly through thiol-disulphide exchange reaction. Diallyl disulphide, a garlic oil principle component, is known for its anti-diabetic properties. Its structural analogue, Diaceto-Dipropyl Disulphide (DADPDS), is a less toxic and more palatable disulphide and possesses similar anti-diabetic actions. AIM: This study was undertaken to assess the usefulness of DADPDS in prevention of de-sialation of Glomerular Basement Membrane (GBM) in alloxan diabetic rats and to assess effect of DADPDS on renal tissue thiol levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into Normal, Diabetic and DADPDS treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection (IP) of alloxan. DADPDS was fed by gastric intubation. Plasma Sialic acid was determined by Ehrlich's method and renal tissue thiol levels by Nitroprusside reaction method. RESULTS: This study showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in plasma sialic acid, plasma glucose and renal tissue TBARS levels along with significant increase (p<0.001) in renal tissue thiol levels in DADPDS treated alloxan diabetic rats when compared to diabetic control rats. CONCLUSION: Hence it may be concluded that DADPDS helps in preventing de-sialation of GBM in alloxan diabetic rats and improves renal tissue antioxidant defence mechanisms, may be through thiol-disulphide exchange reaction and thereby exhibits a possible clinical use in prevention of renal complications like diabetic nephropathy.
