The association between cigarette smoking and serum thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies levels in Chinese residents: A cross-sectional study in 10 cities

Abstract

ObjectivesAlthough several studies have shown that cigarette smoking is associated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), the exact relationship between smoking and thyroid function is controversial. As little is known about the effects of smoking on TSH, TPOAb and TgAb in Chinese residents. This study aimed to evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and TSH, TPOAb and TgAb in ten-city residents of China.Study designThis was a population-based cross-sectional study.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 15,181 subjects from ten major cities of China were investigated. Data regarding demographic characteristics, smoking status and consumption of iodine status were collected using in-person interviews based on a self-designed structured questionnaire. Serum concentrations of TSH, TPOAb and TgAb were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear stepwise regression analyses were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe regular smokers had lower concentrations of TSH, TPOAb and TgAb than occasional smokers, former smokers and never smokers. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that regular smoking was associated with the decreased concentrations of TSH (β = -0.178), TPOAb (β = -0.287) and TGAb (β = -0.453) after adjusting other factors. Furthermore, daily smoking number was significantly associated with the decreased level of TSH (β = -0.045) and TPOAb(β = -0.080), and smoking duration was associated with the decreased TSH level (β = -0.030).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that cigarette smoking is related to a significant decline in the concentrations of TSH, TPOAb and TgAb. In addition, daily smoking number and long-term smoking decrease serum TSH and TPOAb levels. Cigarette smoking plays a significant role in the development of thyroid dysfunction.

Cigarette Smoking and Estrogen-Related Cancer

“…In population surveys in Western countries (151,152), current smokers have a lower prevalence of the autoantibodies associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (151,152), though this association may depend on iodine status (152,153) and findings in Asia have been mixed (see e.g. (153)(154)(155)(156)). Data regarding the association of smoking with thyroiditis itself are conflicting.…”

“…Given these uncertainties, an anti-inflammatory effect of smoking is also not a convincing explanation for the inverse association of smoking with thyroid cancer. Another proposed explanation for a reduced risk of thyroid cancer in smokers is the lower levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotrophin) that has been documented in current smokers in population surveys ( (152,156,163,164)). TSH is a growth factor for thyrocytes, and suppression of TSH secretion is used in the treatment of thyroid cancer (165).…”

Longitudinal Associations Between TPO Gene Variants and TPOAb Seroconversion in a Population Based Study: Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS)

“…About the confounders, observations in the first stage indicate that age, female sex, and higher BMI increase the probability of positive TPOAb, but smoking has a protective role in most variants. Previously, the protective effect of smoking on developing HT and the production of anti-thyroid antibodies such as TPOAb and TgAb have been reported (20,21). In longitudinal approach, we found that increasing age did not always increase the likelihood of TPOAb positivity.…”

Longitudinal Associations Between TPO Gene Variants and TPOAb Seroconversion In A Population Based Study: Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS)

“…About the confounders, observations in the first stage indicate that age, female sex and higher BMI, increase the probability of positive TPOAb, but smoking has a protective role in most variants. Previously, the protective effect of smoking on developing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and the production of anti-thyroid antibodies such as TPOAb and TgAb have been reported (20,21). In longitudinal approach, we found that increasing age did not always increase the likelihood of TPOAb positivity.…”