The impact of exogenous vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity in euthyroid men with autoimmune thyroiditis and early-onset androgenic alopecia

Abstract

Background Early-onset androgenic alopecia is regarded as the phenotypic equivalent of polycystic ovary syndrome in men. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at high risk of autoimmune thyroiditis. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether early-onset androgenic alopecia determines the impact of exogenous vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid function in men with autoimmune thyroiditis. Methods The study included 67 young men with autoimmune thyroiditis, 25 of whom had early-onset androgenic alopecia (group A). All 25 men with alopecia and 23 out of the 42 men with no evidence of hair loss, matched for age, antibody titers and thyrotropin levels (group B), were then treated with vitamin D (100 μg daily). Serum titers of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, serum levels of thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, total and calculated free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, estradiol, prolactin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as well as the calculated parameters of thyroid homeostasis were assessed before vitamin D treatment and 6 months later. Results At baseline, thyroid antibody titers were higher in subjects with than without alopecia and correlated with calculated free testosterone levels. Vitamin D reduced antibody titers in both groups but this effect was stronger in group B than group A. Only in group B, vitamin D increased SPINA-GT. The impact of vitamin D on antibody titers correlated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, calculated free testosterone, treatment-induced increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the improvement in insulin sensitivity. Conclusion This study suggests that euthyroid men with early-onset androgenic alopecia may benefit to a lesser degree from vitamin D treatment than other subjects with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Association between Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and 25-OH Vitamin D Levels with Vitamin D Receptors Gene Polymorphism (rs2228570) in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism

“…However, studies focusing on these polymorphisms have shown discrepant results. A meta-analysis of 11 case-control studies has been conducted intending to establish an association between the four polymorphisms and HT susceptibility [2].…”

“…It causes chronic inflammation of the thyroid tissue, with a condition of hypothyroidism in about 20-30% of patients [1]. Vitamin D plays a role in AIT, as investigated in the past years [2]. Different polymorphisms in Vitamin D receptors (VDR) have an important role in AIT risk [2].…”

“…Vitamin D plays a role in AIT, as investigated in the past years [2]. Different polymorphisms in Vitamin D receptors (VDR) have an important role in AIT risk [2]. In recent times, several studies have also investigated the association of the four VDR SNPs and HT susceptibility [3].…”

The role of vitamin D for the management of depression in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism in the West-Ukrainian population

“…In terms of thyroid disorders, the rate of depression moderately increases in patients suffering from hypothyroidism [3]. Different polymorphisms of vitamin D receptors highly contribute to the risk development for autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) [4]. Data from recent research has proved that vitamin D deficiency may cause depression manifestations in the population generally [5].…”

Prediction of the Development of Depression in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism

“…Various polymorphisms of Vitamin D receptors are considered significant in developing the risk for autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) [6]. Recently, evidence has emerged that low Vitamin D levels are involved in the manifestations of depression and anxiety in the general population [7].…”