Abstract

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is an increasing global health issue, with oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation playing crucial roles in its development. While there have been advancements in understanding how thyroid diseases relate to systemic inflammation, there are still gaps in fully connecting oxidative stress markers to thyroid dysfunction. Aim: This systematic review examines the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in thyroid dysfunction, with the goal of emphasizing their roles in disease progression and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Methods: A systematic review of literature from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate. The keywords used included “oxidative stress,” “thyroid dysfunction,” and “inflammatory markers.” Following PRISMA guidelines, 563 articles were screened, and 47 studies were selected based on their relevance and inclusion criteria. Results: Markers of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant enzymes (like superoxide dismutase and catalase), were found to be elevated in cases of thyroid dysfunction. In addition, inflammatory markers including interleukins (IL-6, IL-10), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) showed significant correlations with thyroid status. Hypothyroidism was linked to a reduced antioxidant capacity, while hyperthyroidism was associated with increased oxidative metabolism, leading to heightened ROS production. Both conditions activated inflammatory pathways, indicating a bidirectional relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction significantly affects oxidative and inflammatory pathways, creating a vicious cycle that worsens disease progression. Future research should concentrate on targeted antioxidant therapies to reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in thyroid disorders.