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Iodothyronine Deiodinases

Meaning

Iodothyronine Deiodinases are a family of three selenium-containing enzymes (D1, D2, and D3) that critically regulate the local and systemic concentrations of active thyroid hormones by either activating or inactivating them through the removal of iodine atoms. Deiodinase activity is the key determinant of T3 availability at the tissue level, converting the prohormone T4 into the active T3 or the inactive reverse T3 (rT3). This precise enzymatic control is essential for tissue-specific thyroid hormone action, allowing organs to fine-tune their metabolic rate independent of circulating T4 levels. Clinical evaluation of deiodinase function is complex but vital for understanding peripheral thyroid hormone resistance.