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Thyroid Conversion

Meaning

Thyroid conversion is the critical metabolic process where the prohormone thyroxine (T4), secreted by the thyroid gland, is enzymatically deiodinated in peripheral tissues, primarily the liver and kidneys, to form the biologically active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). This conversion step is rate-limiting for thyroid hormone action, as T3 is the molecule that binds to nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression and metabolic rate. The efficiency of this conversion is vital for systemic energy homeostasis.