The Role of Trace Element (Zn, Se, Cu, and Cr) Levels with an Increased Risk of Developing Hashimoto Disease

Abstract Background: Autoimmune Hashimoto thyroiditis destroys thyroid cells via cell- and antibody-mediated immunological mechanisms. This disease causes hypothyroidism. Dietary iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between trace element levels, specifically zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr), and the risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease in female patients. Materials and Methods: Between September 2022 and April 2023, 50 women with Hashimoto thyroiditis and 46 healthy controls visited the teaching hospital in Basrah, Southern Iraq. In order to measure thyroperoxidase autoantibodies (TPOA), enzyme-linked fluorescence immunoassay (ELFA) was used. Enzyme-linked fluorescence immunoassay was used to measure thyroid hormone levels FT3, FT4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), TPOA. Atomic absorption spectrometry was also used to analyze the levels of trace elements (Zn, Se, Cr, and Cu). Results: The result shows a significant decrease in FT4 and FT3 levels compared to the control group and significantly higher thyroid peroxidase antibodies level. Instead, the levels of TSH are raised. When comparing the levels of trace elements (Cu, Cr, Se, and Zn) the result shows significantly lower levels of Cr and Zn. In contrast, Cu and Se levels are insignificantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that low levels of Zn and Cr are associated with an increased risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease in female patients. These results suggest that Zn and Cr may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of Hashimoto’s disease.