Question 1

What is the Meaning of 5'-Deiodinase?

Accepted Answer

5'-Deiodinase is an enzyme deactivating thyroid hormones. It removes an iodine atom from the 5'-position of the outer ring of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This action converts T4 into inactive reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) and T3 into diiodothyronine (T2), reducing active thyroid hormone availability.

Question 2

What is the Context of 5'-Deiodinase?

Accepted Answer

This enzyme functions within thyroid hormone metabolism, influencing local and systemic active thyroid hormone availability. Found in tissues like the placenta, brain, liver, and skin, 5'-Deiodinase protects specific organs from excessive thyroid hormone exposure, notably where thyroid hormone conservation is beneficial.

Question 3

What is the Significance of 5'-Deiodinase?

Accepted Answer

Understanding 5'-Deiodinase activity is clinically important for evaluating thyroid function. Dysregulation can impact a patient's metabolic state, contributing to hypothyroid symptoms despite adequate circulating T4. Elevated reverse T3, indicating increased 5'-Deiodinase activity, signals adaptive responses to illness or stress, influencing diagnostic interpretation.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of 5'-Deiodinase?

Accepted Answer

The mechanism involves enzymatic removal of an iodine atom from the outer ring of iodothyronine substrates. 5'-Deiodinase converts T4 to rT3 by removing the iodine at the 5'-position. It similarly deiodinates T3 to T2, rendering these metabolites largely inactive, thus modulating metabolic rate.

Question 5

What is the Application of 5'-Deiodinase?

Accepted Answer

In clinical practice, 5'-Deiodinase activity is considered when patients show hypothyroid-like symptoms despite normal conventional thyroid tests. Its increased activity in conditions like non-thyroidal illness or chronic stress shifts thyroid hormone metabolism towards inactivation. Clinicians may assess reverse T3 levels for insight, guiding personalized therapeutic approaches.

Question 6

What is the Metric of 5'-Deiodinase?

Accepted Answer

Direct measurement of 5'-Deiodinase activity is not routinely performed clinically. Its activity is indirectly assessed through serum reverse T3 (rT3) levels. An elevated rT3 concentration, especially relative to T4, often serves as a surrogate for increased 5'-Deiodinase activity, indicating thyroid hormone inactivation.

Question 7

What is the Risk of 5'-Deiodinase?

Accepted Answer

Improperly managed or disregulated 5'-Deiodinase activity poses clinical risks. Excessive activity can lead to localized or systemic tissue hypothyroidism, even with normal serum TSH and T4. This may result in persistent fatigue, weight gain, cognitive impairment, and reduced metabolic efficiency.

5′-Deiodinase

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

Can Targeted Nutritional Interventions Reverse Existing Hormonal Dysregulation?