Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders Following 10-Year Universal Salt Iodization in Hebei Province of China

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of universal salt iodization （USI） for the control of IDD in Hebei province since it was implemented in 1995, identify the problems currently encountered in the implementation of USI and provide practical proposals for addressing these problems. Methods Probability proportionate to size sampling （PPS） was employed in the surveillance of IDD, for which a total of 1200 school children aged 8-10 years were randomly selected from 30 counties around the whole province during each IDD survey. The iodine content of salt was determined quantitatively with the titration method. The iodine content of urinary samples was measured by the method of ammonium persulfate oxidation. Results The coverage of iodized salt increased from 65.0% in 1995 to 98.0% in 1999, then decreased to 88.1% in 2005 which was below the national standard of 90%. The median urinary iodine of children aged 8-10 years varied between 160.1 μg/L and 307.4 μg/L, which was above the national standard. The proportion of urinary samples with iodine content above 300 lag/L was over 30% in 2005, implying exorbitant iodine nutrition among the children. The goiter rate （TGR） among children aged 8-10 years dropped from 11.8% in 1995 to 2.7% in 2005, indicating that the spread of endemic goiter was under control. Conclusion Preliminary elimination of IDD was achieved by USI in Hebei province. Nevertheless, some problems still existed in USI such as non-iodized salt competition, over iodization and un-standardized iodization. In order to address these problems, the management and supervision of salt market needs to be strengthened to prevent non-iodized salt from reaching households; updating equipment and modifying techniques are also necessary to ensure the quality of iodized salt; to clarify the causes of excessive urinary iodine content, the various sources of iodine from the diet need to be investigated in the future.

Distinct and Additive Effects of Alcohol and Thiamine Deficiency in the Developing Brain: Relevance to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Background: Neurodevelopmental abnormalities in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are linked to brain insulin resistance and oxidative stress. However, the role of thiamine deficiency as a distinct or additive factor in the pathogenesis of the neurodevelopmental and metabolic derangements in FASD has not been determined. Methods: Control and ethanol-exposed human PNET2 cerebellar neuronal cells and rat cerebellar slice cultures were treated with vehicle or pyrithiamine (Pyr) to assess independent and additive effects of thiamine deficiency on ethanol-mediated neurotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, inhibition of neuronal and glial genes, and oxidative stress. Results: Pyr treatments (0 - 200 µM) caused dose-dependent cell loss (Crystal Violet assay) and reduced mitochondrial function (MTT assay) in PNET2 neuronal cultures. Ethanol alone (100 mM) significantly reduced PNET2 neuronal viability, MTT activity, and ATP production. Over the broad dose range of Pyr treatment, ethanol significantly reduced ATP content and cell number and increased mitochondrial mass (MitoTracker Green). Ex vivo cerebellar slice culture studies revealed ethanol-induced developmental architectural disruption that was substantially worsened by Pyr. The adverse effects of ethanol were linked to increased lipid peroxidation and inhibition of asparatyl-asparaginyl-β-hydroxylase (ASPH) expression. The independent and additive effects of Pyr were associated with increased cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, Caspase 3 activation, and Tau accumulation. Conclusions: During development, alcohol exposure and thiamine deficiency exert distinct but overlapping molecular pathologies that ultimately impair the structure and function of cerebellar neurons. While both insults drive cell loss and mitochondrial dysfunction with increased lipid peroxidation, ethanol’s additional inhibitory effects on ASPH reflect impairments in insulin and IGF signaling. In contrast, Pyr’s main adverse effects were likely due to neurotoxicity and the activation of apoptosis cascades. The findings suggest that FASD severity may be reduced by thiamine supplementation, but without additional support for insulin/IGF signaling networks, FASD would not be prevented.

Time Series and Spatial Epidemiological Analysis of the Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in China

Objective To recognize the spatial and temporal characteristics of iodine deficiency disorders(IDD),China national IDD surveillance data for the years of 1995–2018 were analyzed.Methods Time series analysis was used to describe and predict the IDD related indicators,and spatial analysis was used to analyze the spatial distribution of salt iodine levels.Results In China,the median urinary iodine concentration increased in 1995–1997,then decreased to adequate levels,and are expected to remain appropriate in 2019–2022.The goiter rate continually decreased and is expected to be maintained at a low level.Since 2002,the coverage rates of iodized salt and the consumption rates of qualified iodized salt(the percentage of qualified iodized salt in all tested salt) increased and began to decline in 2012;they are expected to continue to decrease.Spatial epidemiological analysis indicated a positive spatial correlation in 2016–2018 and revealed feature regarding the spatial distribution of salt related indicators in coastal areas and areas near iodine-excess areas.Conclusions Iodine nutrition in China showed gradual improvements.However,a recent decline has been observed in some areas following changes in the iodized salt supply in China.In the future,more regulations regarding salt management should be issued to strengthen IDD control and prevention measures,and avoid the recurrence of IDD.

THE MEASUREMENT AND APPLICATION OF TSH－IRMA LEVELS AMONG DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS IN AREAS WITH IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS

Using immunoradiornetric TSH assay (TSH-IRMA) to measure whole blood TSH levels spotted onto filter paper, we compared TSH levels among different age groups (neonates, <1 yr infants, schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 yrs, adults,pregnant women and reproductive-age women) in Guiyang, where iodine deficiency has long been a problem. The results showed: 1) The percentage of subjects with TSH levels equal to or greater than 5 mIU/L in the neonate group was 38.9% while the percentages in the other groups were 0-3.3% (P<0.01); 2)The TSH levels of the neonates were inversely related to the urinary iodine values of their mothers (pregnant women). (r=-0. 5, P<0. 01);3)97.6% of the inhabitants in Guiyang ingested salt with less than 20mg/kg iodine. The results indicate that iodine deficiency remains a problem in Guiyang. Neonates are the only ideal population for monitoring iodine deficiency.

Clinical Observation on Modified Huan'gan Lipi Decoction Combined with Acupuncture in Treating Spleen Deficiency and Liver Hyperactivity Type Tic Disorders

[Objectives]To observe the clinical efficacy of Modified Huan'gan Lipi Decoction combined with acupuncture in the treatment of spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity type tic disorders(TD).[Methods]Sixty patients with spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity type TD were randomly divided into a treatment group of 40 cases and a control group of 20 cases.The treatment group received Modified Huan'gan Lipi Decoction combined with acupuncture,and the control group received Haloperidol Tablets.After 4 weeks of treatment,the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale(YGTSS)score,the total score of TCM syndrome and the clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.[Results]After treatment,the total effective rate of 87.5%in the treatment group was higher than 80.0%in the control group(P>0.05);the total score of YGTSS and the total score of TCM syndromes in the two groups were compared within groups,P﹤0.01;between groups,P﹤0.01.The recurrence rates of the treatment group and the control group were 11.1%and 71.4%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P﹤0.01).[Conclusions]Modified Huan'gan Lipi Decoction combined with acupuncture in the treatment of spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity type TD can significantly improve the patient's tic symptoms,and its long-term efficacy is stable.

Role of medical resource level in iodine deficiency disorder

Background:Iodine deficiency disorders(IDDs)refer to a series of diseases caused by the human body's insufficient iodine intake.Edible salt became iodized in China in 1996,which yielded remarkable results.We have known that IDDs is associated with iodine in the human body,but it is not clear whether IDDs is related to medical resource level.Methods:We collected the number of IDDs cases and an index for the level of medical resource from 31 provinces,autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government in China.All data came from the China Statistical Yearbook of Health and Family Planning issued in 2013 by the Peking Union Medical College Publishing House.Data standardization and linear regression analysis were used.Results:The results showed that IDDs correlated with the number of beds in medical and health institutions,number of medical health personnel,number of medical and health institutions,total health expenditure,average health expenditure per capita,medical insurance for urban resident and new rural cooperative medical rural residents(P<0.01).In a multiple linear regression,IDDs was most significantly associated with the number of beds in hospitals,the number of rural health personnel,the number of basic medical and health institutions and government health expenditure for these institutions. Conclusion:Based on the experimental data,we concluded that IDDs had a positive connection with the medical resource level,and basic and rural areas had a more significant association with IDDs.This analysis provides new and explicit ideas for iodine prevention and control work in China.

Acquired factor XIII deficiency presenting with multiple intracranial hemorrhages and right hip hematoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Factor XIII(FXIII)deficiency is a rare yet profound coagulopathy.FXIII plays a pivotal role in hemostasis,and deficiencies in this factor can precipitate unchecked or spontaneous hemorrhaging.Immunological assays for detecting FXIII inhibitors are indispensable for diagnosing acquired FXIII deficiency;however,the availability of suitable testing facilities is limited,resulting in prolonged turnaround times for these assays.CASE SUMMARY In this case study,a 53-year-old male devoid of significant medical history presented with recurrent intracranial hemorrhages and a hematoma in the right hip.Subsequent genetic analysis revealed a homozygous mutation in the ACE gene,confirming the diagnosis of acquired FXIII deficiency.CONCLUSION This case underscores the significance of considering acquired deficiencies in clotting factors when evaluating patients with unexplained bleeding episodes.

3-Dimensional Kinematic Comparison of Arm Movements between an Individual with NGLY1 Deficiency and a Neurotypical Individual

NGLY1 Deficiency is an ultra-rare autosomal recessively inherited disorder. Characteristic symptoms include among others, developmental delays, movement disorders, liver function abnormalities, seizures, and problems with tear formation. Movements are hyperkinetic and may include dysmetric, choreo-athetoid, myoclonic and dystonic movement elements. To date, there have been no quantitative reports describing arm movements of individuals with NGLY1 Deficiency. This report provides quantitative information about a series of arm movements performed by an individual with NGLY1 Deficiency and an aged-matched neurotypical participant. Three categories of arm movements were tested: 1) open ended reaches without specific end point targets;2) goal-directed reaches that included grasping an object;3) picking up small objects from a table placed in front of the participants. Arm movement kinematics were obtained with a camera-based motion analysis system and “initiation” and “maintenance” phases were identified for each movement. The combination of the two phases was labeled as a “complete” movement. Three-dimensional analysis techniques were used to quantify the movements and included hand trajectory pathlength, joint motion area, as well as hand trajectory and joint jerk cost. These techniques were required to fully characterize the movements because the NGLY1 individual was unable to perform movements only in the primary plane of progression instead producing motion across all three planes of movement. The individual with NGLY1 Deficiency was unable to pick up objects from a table or effectively complete movements requiring crossing the midline. The successfully completed movements were analyzed using the above techniques and the results of the two participants were compared statistically. Almost all comparisons revealed significant differences between the two participants, with a notable exception of the 3D initiation area as a percentage of the complete movement. The statistical tests of these measures revealed no significant differences between the two participants, possibly suggesting a common underlying motor control strategy. The 3D techniques used in this report effectively characterized arm movements of an individual with NGLY1 deficiency and can be used to provide information to evaluate the effectiveness of genetic, pharmacological, or physical rehabilitation therapies.

Surveys in Areas of High Risk of Iodine Deficiency and Iodine Excess in China, 2012-2014： Current Status and Examination of the Relationship between Urinary Iodine Concentration and Goiter Prevalence in Children Aged 8-10 Years

Objective We aimed to evaluate goiter prevalence and iodine nutritional status in areas with high levels of water iodine; to monitor the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders （IDD） in areas at high risk of IDD; and to compare the prevalence of goiter and urine iodine （UI） concentrations between children living in the two areas. Methods Based on surveillance from 2012-2014, we analyzed the concentration of UI and prevalence of goiter in 8-10-year-old children from 12 high-risk IDD provinces, and from 8 provinces and municipalities with excessive water iodine. We calculated goiter prevalence for each UI level according to World Health Organization （WHO） standards and constructed predictive prevalence curves. Results The goiter prevalence and median UI of children from areas with high water iodine were not optimal, being above the WHO standards （5% and 100-199 μg/L, respectively）, whereas those in high-risk areas fell within the standard. UI and goiter prevalence exhibited a U-shaped relationship in high-risk endemic areas and a parabolic relationship in areas of iodine excess. Conclusion Iodine surplus in high-iodine areas leads to high goiter prevalence and UI. However, in high-risk areas, UI was optimal and goiter prevalence met the national criteria for IDD elimination.

Iodization of Village Water Supply in the Control of Endemic Iodine Deficiency in Rural Sarawak, Malaysia

A simple water iodizing system, which incorporates the Venturi principle in combination with the controlled release mechanism of a silicone-sodium iodide elastomer, for the iodization of rural piped-water supply in the control of endemic iodine deficiency has been developed and its effectiveness evaluated in three Iban longhouse villages in the iodinedeficient district of Lubok Antu, Sarawak. Urines were collected for iodine assays from women aged 15-40 years before and at 6 and 12 months after the connection of the iodinating device; goiter assessment was performed on the women at the start and end of the 1-year study. Water samples were collected for iodine assays at 2-weekly intervals. In all three villages, significant and sustained increases in median urinary iodine excretions,reaching levels recommended for an iodine-suffcient population, were observed; goitre prevalences were reduced in all the villages (by 22.6% to 35.8%). The iodine levels in the water ranged from 34 μg/l to 212 μg/L. In the control village, median urinary iodine excretions remained essentially unchanged but a small increase in goiter prevalence was observed. The iodized water was well received by the villagers and no adverse effects of water iodization were observed. The system functioned unattended throughout the one year period. The cost of providing supplemental iodine via the iodizing device is approximately 60 cents (U.S.) per family per year which is affordable by either the Government or the villagers. It is concluded that the iodizing system offers a new cost-effective strategy for the control of endemic iodine deficiency in Sarawak and may have applications in other areas with similar water sources

Iodine deficiency and women’s health: Colonialism’s malign effect on health in Oromia region, in Ethiopia

Objectives: Iodine is an essential nutrient needed for the synthesis of hormone thyroxin. Hormone thyroxin is involved in the metabolism of several nutrients, the regulation of enzymes and differentiation of cells, tissues and organs. Iodine deficiency (ID) impairs the development of the brain and nervous system. It affects cognitive capacity, educability, productivity and child mortality. ID hinders physical strength and causes reproductive failure. The objective of this paper is to explore if the health impacts of ID are more common and severe among women. Design: Using primary data (notes from a visit) and secondary data, this paper examines if the effects of ID are more common and severe among Oromo women inEthiopia. Findings: The health impacts of ID are more common and severe among women. Conclusions: ID is an easily preventable nutritional problem. In Oromia, the persistence of ID is explained by the Ethiopian government’s colonial social policies. Preventing ID should be seen as part of the efforts we make to enhance capacity building, promote health, gender equity and social justice. Implications: Iodine deficiency has a wide range of biological, social, economic and cultural impacts. Preventing ID can be instrumental in bringing about gender equity and building the capacity of people.

Effects of Maternal Marginal Iodine Deficiency on Interactions between Cerebellar Bergmann Glia Cells and Purkinje Cells in Rat Offspring

Iodine deficiency （ID） during early pregnancy has an adverse effect on children＇s psychomotor and motor function but the mechanism has not been clarified. Therefore, our aim was to study the effect of maternal marginal ID on cerebellar neurodevelopment and the underlying mechanism. After obtaining marginal ID rats, we examined interactions between Bergmann gila cells （BGs） and Purkinje cells （PCs） using immunofluorescence and expression of the glutamate transporter and receptor by western blot. Our results showed that marginal ID reduced the number of contacted points between BGs and PCs,

Brain Findings Associated with Iodine Deficiency Identified by Magnetic Resonance Methods: A Systematic Review

Objectives: Iodine deficiency (ID) is a common cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation. It may adversely affect brain maturation processes that potentially result in structural and metabolic brain abnormalities, visible on Magnetic Resonance (MR) techniques. Currently, however, there has been no review of the appearance of these brain changes on MR methods. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using 3 online search databases (Medline, Embase and Web of Knowledge) using multiple combinations of the following search terms: iodine, iodine deficiency, magnetic resonance, MRI, MRS, brain, imaging and iodine deficiency disorders (i.e. hypothyroxinaemia, congenital hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism and cretinism). Results: Up to May 2013, 1673 related papers were found. Of these, 29 studies confirmed their findings directly using MR Imaging and/or MR Spectroscopy. Of them, 28 were in humans and involved 157 subjects, 46 of whom had primary hypothyroidism, 97 had congenital hypothyroidism, 3 had endemic cretinism and 11 had subclinical hypothyroidism. The studies were small, with a mean relevant sample size of 6, median 2, range 1 - 35, while 14 studies were individual case reports. T1-weighted was the most commonly used MRI sequence (20/29 studies) and 1.5 Tesla was the most commonly used magnet strength (6/10 studies that provided this information). Pituitary abnormalities (18/29 studies) and cerebellar atrophy (3/29 studies) were the most prevalent brain abnormalities found. Only fMRI studies (3/29) reported cognition-related abnormalities but the brain changes found were limited to a visual description in all studies. Conclusions: More studies that use MR methods to identify changes on brain volume or other global structural abnormalities and explain the mechanism of ID causing thyroid dysfunction and hence cognitive damage are required. Given the role of MR techniques in cognitive studies, this review provides a starting point for researching the macroscopic structural brain changes caused by ID.

Peculiarities of Morphodensitometric Indices of Epitheliocytes of the Oral Cavity Mucous Membrane in Children with Latent Iron Deficiency and Mild Iodine Deficiency

The article represents the results of the study of the micronutrient deficiency effect(iron and iodine)on the morphometric and optical indices of the oral cavity mucous membrane(OCMM)in school children.In order to achieve this goal,99 school children aged 6-18 years with adequate iodine and iron supply(control group),latent iron deficiency,and mild iodine deficiency were examined.The morphodensitometric study included the determination of the perimeter and area of cells and nuclei,the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio,the state of chromatin condensation of the epitheliocyte OCMM.The study material was:epitheliocytes of the buccal scraping.It was determined that the area of epitheliocytes in girls aged 6-11 has significantly increased in mild iodine deficiency and in latent iron deficiency.Instead,the decrease of nuclei area was more noticeable in boys of this age in mild iodine deficiency.During the analysis of the general level of chromatin condensation of epitheliocyte nuclei in children,a gender peculiarity has been proved,which was manifested by a greater sensitivity of girls to microelementosis(increase of the integrative optical density of nuclei in the latent iron deficiency at 97.9%,p1-3<0.05,and cell area at 45.8%,p1-4<0.01 relative to control).Among children aged 12-18 years,young men were more sensitive to the deficiency of the studied trace elements.Significant growth of the cell area at 38.7%(p1-2<0.05)in adolescents with mild iodine deficiency and total optical density of nuclei at 63.6%(p1-2<0.05)was substantiated with respect to control in the decrease of karyoplasmic area.

Iodized salt consumption and iodine deficiency status in China: a cross-sectional study

Objective:To monitor iodized salt consumption and evaluate iodine deficiency status in 2014 in China.Materials and Methods:In 2014,a nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in 31 provinces (in this study,provinces,autonomous regions and municipalities in China's Mainland were named as provinces).Probability proportional to size sampling method was adopted to recruit children ages 8-10 and pregnant women.47,467 children's and 18,994 pregnant women's urine samples were collected and 47,706 children's thyroid volumes were examined.Iodine content in salt was determined with 46,900 edible salt samples from children's households;urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was tested from children and pregnant women's urine samples;thyroid volume of children was assessed by ultrasound.Results:The national coverage rate of iodized salt and consumption rate of qualified iodized salt were 96.3％ and 91.5％,respectively.Median iodine content in iodized salt was 25.2 mg/kg.In 22 of 31 provinces,the provincial coverage rates of iodized salt were over 95％.And consumption rates of qualified iodized salt were more than 90％ in 21 provinces.In this study,the national median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) of children in China was 197.9 μg/L.At the provincial level,MUIC of children in 19 provinces was 100-199 μg/L,which in 12 provinces was 200-299 μg/L.The national MUIC of pregnant women in 2014 was 154.6 μg/L,slightly higher than the lower limit of the WHO criteria for adequate (150-249 μg/L).At the provincial level,MUIC of pregnant women in 18 provinces was 100-149 μg/L,which in 13 provinces was 150-249 μg/L.The national prevalence of goiter among children in 2014 was 2.6％,of which only Shandong province (5.6％) exceeded the national standard (5％).Conclusions:In China,iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) has been eliminated since 2005.And in 2014,the IDD-free status still remained.

Crosslink between mutations in mitochondrial genes and brain disorders:implications for mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic interventions

At the present,association of mitochondrial dysfunction and progression of neurological disorders has gained significant attention.Defects in mitochondrial network dynamics,point mutations,deletions,and interaction of pathogenomic proteins with mitochondria are some of the possible underlying mechanisms involved in these neurological disorders.Mitochondrial genetics,defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery,and reactive oxygen species production might share common crosstalk in the progression of these neurological disorders.It is of significant interests to explore and develop therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting mitochondrial abnormalities.This review provided insights on mitochondrial dysfunction/mutations involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,Huntington’s disease,and epilepsy with a special focus on Parkinson’s disease pathology.Along with the deleterious effects of mitochondrial mutations in aforesaid neurological disorders,this paper unraveled the available therapeutic strategy,specifically aiming to improve mitochondrial dysfunction,drugs targeting mitochondrial proteins,gene therapies aimed at correcting mutant mtDNA,peptide-based approaches,and lipophilic cations.

Selenium and Iodine Deficiencies and Selenoprotein Function

This paper reviews some recent findings on the interactions between selenium deficiency and iodine deficency. Both micronutrients can control the levels of selenoprotein mRNAs, particularly in the thyroid and brain. When selenium and iodine supplies are limiting the compensatory mechanisms work to minimise adverse effects on thyroid hormone metabolsm and thus neurological developtnent. The mechanisms for regulation of selenoproteins in selenium and iodine deficiency are however very tissue-specific. For example, unlike the brain and thyroid,brown adipose tissue is unable to retain selenoproteins in selenium and iodine deficiency and is therefore at greater risk from injurious effects of the deficiencies.

Patients with functional bowel disorder have disaccharidase deficiency:A single-center study from Russia

BACKGROUND Functional bowel disorder(FBD)may be caused by a decrease in disaccharidase activity.Thus,the timely diagnosis of disaccharidase deficiency could lead to a better prognosis in patients with this condition.AIM To determine the potential value of intestinal disaccharidases glucoamylase,maltase,sucrase,and lactase in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of FBD.METHODS A total of 82 FBD patients were examined.According to the Rome IV criteria(2016),23 patients had diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS),33 had functional diarrhea,10 had constipation-predominant IBS,4 had functional constipation,and 12 had mixed IBS.The Dahlqvist method was used to measure disaccharidase activity in the brush-border membrane of mature enterocytes of the small intestine,in duodenal biopsies obtained during esophagogastroduodenoscopy.RESULTS Lactase deficiency was detected in 86.5%of patients,maltase deficiency in 48.7%,sucrase deficiency in 50%,and glucoamylase deficiency in 84.1%.The activities of all enzymes were reduced in 31.7%of patients,and carbohydrase deficiency was detected in 63.5%of patients.The low activity of enzymes involved in membrane digestion in the small intestine was found in 95.2%of patients.CONCLUSION In 78 of the 82 patients with FBD,gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with disaccharidase deficiency.

Zinc influences on brain development, pituitary and thyroid function in iodine-deficient pregnant and neonatal rats

BACKGROUND： Zinc （Zn） has been shown to greatly influence brain development. Zn supplements may reduce injury to cell membranes of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency. OBJECTIVE： To establish an iodine deficiency rat model using low-iodine food, which was supplemented with compound Zn and Zn gluconate, to observe the effects of Zn on brain development, as well as pituitary gland and thyroid gland function in iodine-deficient rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized grouping study of neural development was performed in the central laboratory of Shandong Institute for Prevention and Treatment of Endemic Disease from 1998 to 1999. MATERIALS： A total of 270 Wistar, female rats, one month after weaning, were used in this study, including 150 pregnant and 120 neonatal rats. Rats were randomly divided into six groups： normal control, model, iodine, compound Zn, iodine and compound Zn, and zinc gluconate. Each group contained 25 pregnant rats and 20 neonatal rats. METHODS： The pregnant rats and 20 neonatal rats, and well as the normal group, were fed standard chow and allowed free access to tap water （containing 5 u g/L iodine and 1 mg/L Zn）. The remaining five groups were fed low-iodine chow. However, the model group received distilled water, the iodine group received potassium-iodide distilled water （containing 300 u g/L iodine）, the compound Zn group received distilled water and intragastrically administrated 10 mL/kg compound Zn solution, once per day, the iodine and compound Zn group received distilled water with 300 u g/L iodine and intragastrically administrated 10 mL/kg compound Zn solution, once per day. All treatments lasted 90 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： All pregnant rats were sacrificed on the day 21 of pregnancy. Body mass number and rate of fetal absorption, as well as fetal death and malformation, were determined. Thyroid and pituitary gland weights were measured, as well as serum levels of thyroid hormone, gonadotropin, and sex hormones. In the experimental study of neonatal rats, the animals normally gave birth at day 21. At day 45 after birth of the neonatal rats, thyroid and pituitary gland weights were measured, and protein, DNA, and RNA concentrations were measured. RESULTS： Pregnant rats in the iodine group exhibited decreased urine iodine and body mass （F = 7.37, P 〈 0.01 ）, increased thyroid absolute and relative weight （F= 7.01, 50.27, P 〈 0.01）, as well as decreased T4 and FF4 （F = 7.01, 29.32, P 〈 0.01 ） and increased T3 and VI＇3 （F = 41.20, 5.94, P 〈 0.01）. Gonadotropic and sexual hormones were abnormal. The pregnant rats displayed decreased weight gain, and the rates of malformation, dead, and absorbed fetuses were increased. Compared with the control group, the neonatal rats with iodine deficiency exhibited lower brain weights （P 〈 0.01 ）. Brain protein, DNA, and RNA, concentrations were decreased, with a rate of RNA/DNA （F = 5.70, 55.86, 25.65, 5.44, P 〈 0.01）. Body mass was gradually increased （F= 6.74, P 〈 0.01）, and the thyroid glands were enlarged （F= 50.01, 76.13, P 〈 0.01）. Following Zn administration, thyroid gland weight was decreased in pregnant rats （P 〈 0.01 ）. Thyroid hormone, gonadotropic hormones, and sexual hormones were restored to some degree. Fetal weight was increased, and the rates of malformation, dead, and absorbed fetuses were decreased. At the same time, neonatal rats gained body weight, displayed decreased thyroid gland weight, as well as increased protein, DNA, and RNA concentrations in the brain. The ratio of RNA/DNA and protein/DNA increased following Zn administration （P 〈 0.01 ）. CONCLUSION： Zn supplementation may decrease the degree of goiter, ameliorate thyroid hormone disorder, as well as gonadotropic and sexual hormone disorders, and increase protein, DNA, and RNA content. Zn supplementation antagonized reproductive abnormalities in pregnant rats, decreased fetal growth,and disturbed brain development in neonatal rats as a result of iodine deficiency.

Studies on the Free Radicals and Thyroid Hormone Metabolism in Cattle with Iodine and Selenium Deficicncy

In order to interpret pathologic mechanism of free radicals and thyroid hormone metabolism in cattle iodine and selenium deficiency, 20 heads of yellow cattle were selected from NiuJia town, Wu Chang City, Heilongjiang Province, China, and were randomly devided into 4 groups with 5 for each. ① supplemented with 0.7 mg·kg -1 iodine(potassium iodine), ② supplemented with 0.2 mg·kg -1 selenium (sodium selenite), ③ supplemented with 0.7 mg·kg -1 iodine(potassium Iodine) plus 0.2 mg·kg -1 selenium (sodium selenite) per day for 30 days, respectively. ④control group. The whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and catalase (CAT) activities, free radicals (FR) concentration, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and molonaldehyde (MDA) concentration, the serum triiodothyronine (T 3)、thyroxine (T 4) and thyrotropin (TSH) were determined on the day of supplementation day-0 and day-30, respectively. It was showed that average iodine concentration in drinking water and diet were 3.82 μg·L -1 and 0.285mg·kg -1 , respectively, Diet selenium was 0.0498mg·kg -1 , Serum protein bound iodine(PBI) was 7.02 μg·100 mL, Blood selenium was 0.14 mg·L -1 , the schoolchildren′s goiter was 21.8%. It indicated that iodine and selenium were deficient in the investigated area. Whole blood GSH-px and CAT activities and serum T 3 concentration were significantly higher (P< 0.01 ), FR concentration and serum TSH were significantly lower(P<0.01) in the first three groups than that of the control, T 4 content in the first group was higher(P<0.05), T 4 was also higher (P>0.05) in the second group. and lower in the third group. The SOD and MDA in erythrocyte were not changed during the experimental period, The results also showed that GSH-px and CAT activities were increased, and FR decreased oberviously in the third group more than the other two groups, In addition, Thyroid hormone metabolism was more coincided with the physiologic status in the third group. the iodine and the selenium played an important role in the pathologic process of free radical metabolic disorder. selenium not only had the function of antioxidation by derectly scavenging free radicals, but also affected through GSH-px and CAT activities. iodine deficiency results in the Goiter, selenium deficiency aggravated iodine deficiency, Iodine and the selenium were dependent and restrained each other in the course of free radicals and thyroid hormone metabolism with a synergistic state.