Analysis of the protective effects of γ-aminobutyric acid during fluoride-induced hypothyroidism in male Kunming mice

[helvella]

Every so often, I just happen upon something that really makes me sit up. This is one such. (Probably says more about how little I know than anything.)

Although very interesting, I'd be very wary of going out and buying foods that are purportedly high in GABA. Aside from anything else, they are expensive!

Pharm Biol. 2019; 57(1): 29–37.

Published online 2019 Jan 24. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2018.1563621

PMCID: PMC6346718

PMID: 30676163

Analysis of the protective effects of γ-aminobutyric acid during fluoride-induced hypothyroidism in male Kunming mice

Haoyue Yang,a,b,c Ronge Xing,a,b,c Song Liu,a,b,c Huahua Yu,a,b,c and Pengcheng Lia,b,c

aKey Laborotory Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China;

bLaboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China;

cCenter for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China

CONTACT Ronge Xing nc.ca.oidq@egnorgnix; Pengcheng Li nc.ca.oidq@ilcp, No.7, Nanhai Road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong province, China.

Abstract

Context: Compounds to treat hypothyroidism in the absence of cardiac side effects are urgently required. In this regard, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has gained interest due to its anti-anxiolytic, antihypertensive and antioxidant properties, and reported benefits to the thyroid system.

Objective: We investigated the ability of GABA to ameliorate fluoride-induced thyroid injury in mice, and investigated the mechanism(s) associated with GABA-induced protection.

Materials and methods: Adult male Kumning mice (N = 90) were exposed to NaF (50 mg/kg) for 30 days as a model of hypothyroidism. To evaluate the effects of GABA administration, fluoride-exposed mice received either thyroid tablets, or low (25 mg/kg), medium (50 mg/kg) or high (75 mg/kg) concentrations of pure GABA orally for 14 days groups (N = 10 each). The effects of low (50 mg/kg); medium (75 mg/kg) and high (100 mg/kg) concentrations of laboratory-separated GABA were assessed for comparison. Effects on thyroid hormone production, oxidative stress, thyroid function-associated genes, and side-effects during therapy were measured.

Results: GABA supplementation in fluoride-exposed mice significantly increased the expression of thyroid TG, TPO, and NIS (P < 0.05), significantly improved the thyroid redox state (P < 0.05), modulated the expression of thyroid function-associated genes, conferred liver metabolic protection, and prevented changes to myocardial morphology, thus reducing side effects. Both pure and laboratory-separated GABA displayed comparative protective effects.

Discussion and conclusion: Our findings support the assertion that GABA exerts therapeutic potential in hypothyroidism. The design and use of human GABA trials to improve therapeutic outcomes in hypothyroidism are now warranted.

Keywords: GABA, thyroid hormone synthesis, myocardial preservation, anti-hypothyroidism

Full paper freely available here:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

A couple of links about GABA

draxe.com/gaba/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma...

[LindaC]

Thank you - yes, know the feeling! But as soon as I saw cardiac... need to read and re-read this again.

[nightingale-56]

Thanks for posting this interesting and useful information helvella . I particularly liked the Dr axe information and it has got me thinking about using coconut oil - butyric acid - and Lanes Quiet Life tablets, which have valerian in them, again, for slight insomnia, as both these things enhance GABA.

[dtate2016]

Thank you so much for sharing this it is eye-opening and informative. Number one that they openly express in a scientific way that fluoride causes hypothyroidism! And then that we can get relief from the anxiety that many of us suffer not to mention heart disease protection! I know it’s just in mice and I know humans are a lot different but a lot of research starts in mice. Thanks to the others that have come in at two on ones work for them I’m going to try the GABA right away. helvella - I love the way you think!

[helvella Administrator in reply to dtate2016]

There is no doubt that fluoride in high doses does cause hypothyroidism.

What is less certain is whether the doses of fluoride we would be likely to get from fluoridated water, or toothpaste, or certain dental treatments, cause hypothyroidism. There are views on both sides and they have been aired many times here.

[Hidden]

Wow, just mice I know, but a very striking finding. I have no idea what GABA I'd though. Thanks for the research postings I really find it interesting reading them.

Michael