Evaluation of Serum Copper And Zinc with Tsh Level In Subclinical Hypo And Hyper Thyroid Patients of Coastal Karnataka Region

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is one of a family of glycoprotein hormones including LH and FSH. Thyroid diseases are the commonest endocrine disorders of the world. Population study estimated that 108 million people in India are suffering from endocrine and metabolic diseases of which thyroid abnormalities contribute 42 million. Hyperthyroidism may result from the increased concentration of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism may result from decreased concentration of thyroid hormone. Copper and Zinc are important for healthy thyroid function. Zinc is responsible for converting inactive T4 form of thyroid hormone, thyroxin into active T3 form. Copper stimulates the thyroid and protect the body against too much thyroxin in the blood. Thus, this study was conducted to measure serum zinc and copper levels in thyroid patients and to correlate it with TSH levels. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Blood samples of 60 patients were collected out of which 20 were subclinical hyperthyroidism, 20 were subclinical hypothyroidism and 20 control. Serum copper and zinc levels are estimated by kit method using colorimetric method. RESULTS: The mean serumzinc (P=0.04) is significantly increased in subclinical hyperthyroid patients (567.5 [+ or -] 51.91) compared to subclinical hypothyroid patients (310.2 [+ or -] 124.7). Copper (p=0.5) is decreased in subclinical hyperthyroid patients (120.5 [+ or -] 62.97) but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Significant relationship between zinc, copper and TSH with subclinical hypo and hyper thyroid patients were detected. There is a positive correlation between TSH and zinc in subclinical hypothyroid patients. Zinc has definite role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. KEY WORDS: Thyroid stimulating hormone, LH, FSH, zinc, copper