Summary: This meta-analysis examines the impact of fluoride exposure on thyroid function and disease risk, focusing on studies conducted mainly in Asia and among children. Higher fluoride levels, particularly in drinking water above 2.5 mg/L, were associated with increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and a higher risk of hypothyroidism and goiter. While evidence linking fluoride to other thyroid hormones was less clear, these findings highlight potential thyroid-related risks of high fluoride exposure.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.117759

Summary: Thyroid eye disease (TED), a common extra-thyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease, poses significant management challenges due to potential disfigurement, visual impairment, and decreased quality of life. Uncertainties remain about the optimal treatment approach, especially regarding TED duration and its impact on outcomes. This meta-analysis highlights the importance of tailoring treatment strategies based on TED duration, emphasizing early interventions to maximize benefits.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgae526

Summary: This study examines weight loss outcomes in women with obesity and hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine (LT4), compared to those without thyroid disease. Both groups showed similar reductions in weight, BMI, and lipid profiles after calorie restriction, exercise, and metformin when needed. Insulin resistance remained unchanged. Despite differences in thyroid hormone levels, achieving euthyroid status with LT4 therapy led to comparable weight loss outcomes. These findings support the effectiveness of LT4 monotherapy in addressing weight-related metabolic concerns in hypothyroid women.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78185-w

Summary: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that has recently emerged as a treatment option for autonomous functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs), offering a less invasive alternative to surgery. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of RFA for AFTNs. The results indicate that RFA is a promising non-surgical treatment for AFTNs, showing high rates of TSH normalization, tumor size reduction, and improved cosmetic and symptom scores.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2024.06.023

Summary: : Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of Graves orbitopathy have allowed the development of new target-based therapies by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors, lymphocytic infiltration or the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), with several clinical trials providing promising results. This article reviews the new discoveries in the pathogenesis of Graves hyperthyroidism and Graves orbitopathy that offer several important tools in disease management.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-024-01016-5