Immunological changes in hypothyroid women

There is considerable experimental evidence for effects of thyroid hormones on immune system. An association between hypothyroidism and susceptibility to some infections has been also demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunological changes in hypothyroid females. Blood samples were collected from 50 females with hypothyroidism and a control group consisting of 50 sex- and age-matched euthyroid subjects. Thyroid function was assessed according to T3, T4 and TSH levels. The following parameters were studied in the two groups: total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, serum concentration of immunoglobulins including IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE, CRP, C3 and C4 complement components. Decreased serum concentration of IgG and IgA was observed in hypothyroid patients compared to euthyroid females. Hypothyroid females had higher serum IgE concentration than euthyroid group (179.8 IU/ml vs. 109.8 IU/ml P<0.05). Similarly serum C3 concentration in hypothyroid patients was significantly higher as compared to euthyroid females (138.8 mg/ml vs. 117.8 mg/dl P<0.01). In euthyroid group the absolute count of circulating WBC, PMN cells and lymphocytes were slightly higher than those in hypothroid group. On the other hand, the eosinophil count was higher in hypothyroid patients as compared to control group. These results indicate that some immunological alterations occur in hypothyroid women.