AGING, THYROID GLAND AND LONGEVITY
Prakash Kumar Yadav and *Niraj Khatri Sapkota
ABSTRACT
The endocrine system, in particular endocrine gland, undergoes inevitable functional changes with advancing of age. The prevalence of thyroid disorders increases with age and abound morpho-physio architectural alteration of the gland during the process of aging are well-known. Pronounced differences in clinical course of thyroid
disorder is observed in elderly compared to younger individuals, as symptoms are more subtle and are often attributed due to normal aging. Subclinical hypo- and hyperthyroidism, as well as thyroid neoplasms, require special attention in elderly subjects. Intriguingly, decreased thyroid function, as well as thyrotrophin (TSH) levels progressively shifting to higher values with age – may contribute to the increased lifespan. This review explores literature on recent findings concerning the alterations in thyroid function with aging that may potentially lead to extended longevity, both in humans and animals.
Keywords: Thyroid gland; Aging; Subclinical thyroid dysfunction; Thyroid cancer; Longevity.
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