Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Thyroid Hormone Transporter Genes MCT8, MCT10 and Deiodinase DIO2 Contribute to Inter-Individual Variance of Executive Functions and Personality Traits

Abstract

Thyroid hormones are modulators of cognitive functions, and changes in hormone levels affect intelligence, memory, attention and executive function. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of transporter proteins MCT8, MCT10 and deiodinase 2 (DIO2) influence thyroid metabolism and could therefore contribute to inter-individual variance of cognitive functions. This study investigates the influence of these SNPs using an extensive neuropsychological test battery. 656 healthy participants aged 18–39 years were genotyped for four SNPs: MCT8 (rs5937843 and rs6647476), MCT10 (rs14399) and DIO2 (rs225014) and underwent eleven different neuropsychological tests as well as four personality questionnaires. Test results were compared between homo- and heterozygous carriers and for the X-linked MCT8 additionally between men and women. Personality questionnaires revealed that Risk Seeking was reduced in homozygous T carriers and highest in homozygous C carriers of the DIO2 SNP and that both polymorphisms of MCT8 had an additive effect on Physical Aggression in men. Neuropsychological testing indicated that MCT10 affects nonverbal reasoning abilities, DIO2 influences working memory and verbal fluency and MCT8 influences attention, alertness and planning. This pilot study suggests an influence of polymorphisms in thyroid hormone transporter genes and deiodinase on cognitive domains and personality traits.

Analysis of the risk factors of negative emotions in patients undergoing microwave ablation of thyroid nodules during the perioperative period and its impact on prognosis: a prospective cohort study

“…This negative psychology can directly or indirectly affect the smooth operation of the procedure and postoperative recovery. However, to date, relevant studies have mainly focused on the impact of negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, on TNs (17)(18)(19)(20)(21). The results herein revealed that patients with TNs undergoing MWA had depression and anxiety at different times, and some even experienced both emotions simultaneously.…”

“…Such negative emotions can directly or indirectly affect the smooth operation and postoperative recovery. To date, studies have mainly focused on the impact of negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, on TNs (17)(18)(19)(20)(21); with little attention on the impact of anxiety and depression on the prognosis of patients with TNs. Therefore, this current study explored the risk factors of a…”

Gray matter reduction is associated with cognitive dysfunction in depressed patients comorbid with subclinical hypothyroidism

“…On the one hand, the HPT axis dysfunction can cause emotional and psychotic symptoms, possibly due to thyroid hormone interference with metabolic processes and intracellular signaling pathways ( Glombik et al, 2021 ). On the other hand, abnormal thyroid hormone levels are known to negatively affect cognitive function ( Uter et al, 2020 ).…”

Identification of polymorphic loci in the deiodinase 2 gene and their associations with head dimensions in geese

“…The subjects carrying the DIO2-Thr92Ala polymorphism had consistently lower femoral neck and total hip densities than wild-type subjects, accompanied by significantly higher levels of bone turner markers, which indicated a role for the DIO2 gene in the regulation of bone formation [ 8 ]. Recent research has also shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DIO2 influence thyroid metabolism, resulting in neurological disease [ 9 ]. Thyroid hormones (THs) have pivotal roles in the development and growth of the craniofacial skeleton, and their action in target tissues is dependent on the intracellular concentration of T3, which is locally regulated by DIO2 and deiodinase 3 ( DIO3 ) [ 10 ].…”