Thyroid Axis and Vestibular Physiopathology: From Animal Model to Pathology

Abstract

A recent work of our group has shown the significant effects of thyroxine treatment on the restoration of postural balance function in a rodent model of acute peripheral vestibulopathy. Based on these findings, we attempt to shed light in this review on the interaction between the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis and the vestibular system in normal and pathological situations. Pubmed database and relevant websites were searched from inception through to 4 February 2023. All studies relevant to each subsection of this review have been included. After describing the role of thyroid hormones in the development of the inner ear, we investigated the possible link between the thyroid axis and the vestibular system in normal and pathological conditions. The mechanisms and cellular sites of action of thyroid hormones on animal models of vestibulopathy are postulated and therapeutic options are proposed. In view of their pleiotropic action, thyroid hormones represent a target of choice to promote vestibular compensation at different levels. However, very few studies have investigated the relationship between thyroid hormones and the vestibular system. It seems then important to more extensively investigate the link between the endocrine system and the vestibule in order to better understand the vestibular physiopathology and to find new therapeutic leads.

Statistical Associations between Vestibular Pathologies and Hypothyroidism: A Retrospective Study

“…A total of 131 articles were initially identified. After excluding duplicates, thyroid autoimmune diseases, and articles unrelated to the subject, 20 articles were retained [2,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32], providing access to the full text. The stages in the data collection process are described in Figure 1.…”

Appropriate Vestibular Stimulation in Children and Adolescents—A Prerequisite for Normal Cognitive, Motor Development and Bodily Homeostasis—A Review

“…A study by Serra et al found altered glucose and insulin levels in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders [103]. Congenital hypothyroidism, among other organs, also has a negative effect on inner ear development [104]. A connection between the inner ear and thyroid cells has also been found concerning exposure to gravity, which modulated the thyroid cells in a study by Grimm [105].…”