Interesting Read: Nitric Oxide (NO) effects on thyroid ouput

[Athletix]

Nitric oxide/cGMP signaling inhibits TSH-stimulated iodide uptake and expression of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin mRNA in FRTL-5 thyroid cells.

Bazzara LG, Vélez ML, Costamagna ME, Cabanillas AM, Fozzatti L, Lucero AM, Pellizas CG, Masini-Repiso AM.

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) induces morphological and functional alterations in primary cultured thyroid cells. The aim of this paper was to analyze the direct influence of a long-term exposition to NO on parameters of thyroid hormone biosynthesis in FRTL-5 cells.

DESIGN: Cells were treated with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for 24-72 h.

MAIN OUTCOME: SNP (50-500 micromol/L) reduced iodide uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition of iodide uptake increased progressively with time and matched nitrite accumulation. SNP inhibited thyroperoxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG) mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. SNP enhanced 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production. 3',5'-cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP) generation was reduced by a high SNP concentration after 48 h. 8-Bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP), a cGMP analog, inhibited iodide uptake as well as TPO and TG mRNA expression. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) inhibitor KT-5823 reversed SNP or 8-Br-cGMP-inhibited iodide uptake. Thyroid-stimulating hormone pretreatment for 24-48 h prevented SNP-reduced iodide uptake although nitrite levels remained unaffected.

CONCLUSION: These findings favor a long-term inhibitory role of the NO/cGMP pathway on parameters of thyroid hormone biosynthesis. A novel property of NO to inhibit TPO and TG mRNA expression is supported. The NO action on iodide uptake could involve cGK mediation. The long-term inhibition of steps of thyroid hormonogenesis by NO could be of interest in thyroid pathophysiology.

[MidwestBeast]

Despite all the academic journals I've had to read through over the years, a lot of the stuff in the science and medical fields is still out of my comprehension-zone. Would anyone mind breaking this down a bit?

What I think I'm taking away from this after looking it over 3 times (sad, I know) is that NO products over time could potentially disrupt TSH levels and thyroid output?

[Athletix]

It is basically saying that nitric oxide (NO) inhibits certain steps of thyroid hormone synthesis. It was more of an in vitro study so it was looking more at mechanism but it is still interesting to note either way. It definitely appears that it could possibly lower thyroid hormone levels over time.

[MidwestBeast]

It is basically saying that nitric oxide (NO) inhibits certain steps of thyroid hormone synthesis. It was more of an in vitro study so it was looking more at mechanism but it is still interesting to note either way. It definitely appears that it could possibly lower thyroid hormone levels over time.

Thanks for the explanation. That's what I was reading into it, but I always like some clarification from those that truly understand the studies.