A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Congenital Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Alters Adrenal Gene Expression, Development, and Function




AuthorsPatyra Konrad, Löf Christoffer, Jaeschke Holger, Undeutsch Hendrik, Zheng Huifei Sophia, Tyystjärvi Sofia, Puławska Kamila, Doroszko Milena, Chruściel Marcin, Loo Britt-Marie, Kurkijärvi Riikka, Zhang Fu-Ping, Huang Chen-Che Jeff, Ohlsson Claes, Kero Andreina, Poutanen Matti, Toppari Jorma, Paschke Ralf, Rahman Nafis, Huhtaniemi Ilpo, Jääskeläinen Jarmo, Kero Jukka

PublisherMary Ann Liebert Inc.

Publication year2022

JournalThyroid

Journal name in sourceThyroid

Volume32

Issue4

First page 459

Last page471

eISSN1557-9077

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2021.0535

Web address http://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2021.0535


Abstract

Background

The human adrenal cortex undergoes several rapid remodeling steps during its lifetime. In rodents, similar remodeling occurs postnatally in the “X-zone” layer through unknown mechanisms. Furthermore, little is known regarding the impact of thyroid hormone (TH) on adrenal glands in humans.

Methods

To investigate the impact of TH on adrenal pathophysiology, we created two genetic murine models mimicking human nonautoimmune hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Moreover, we analyzed serum thyrotropin (TSH) and steroid hormone concentrations in patients diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and premature adrenarche (PA).

Results

We found that TH receptor beta-mediated hypertrophy of the X-zone significantly elevated the adrenal weights of hyperthyroid women. In the hypothyroid model, the X-zone was poorly developed in both sexes. Moreover, large reciprocal changes in the expression levels of genes that regulate adrenal cortical function were observed with both models. Unexpectedly, up- and downregulation of several genes involved in catecholamine synthesis were detected in the adrenal glands of the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid models, respectively. Furthermore, TSH and adrenal steroid concentrations correlated positively in pediatric patients with congenital hypothyroidism and PA.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that congenital hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism functionally affect adrenal gland development and related steroidogenic activity, as well as the adrenal medulla.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 20:15