Correlation Between Cadmium Level and Iron Regulatory Markers in Hypothyroid Patients

Background and Objectives: The insufficient production of thyroid hormones (THs) is called hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone reduction in the blood causes an elevated secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Naturally occurring environmental pollutants, like heavy metals, have numerous effects on ecosystems. Their bioaccumulation results in a variety of harmful consequences on various body tissues and organ systems, including the thyroid gland. The study aimed to evaluate the main relationships between levels of cadmium (Cd) with hepcidin hormone, ferritin and other iron markers in hypothyroid patients. Methods: The study carried out on 90 female subjects in Galiawa Diabetes and Endocrinology Teaching Center in Erbil city and Kawrgosk laboratory. The data collection for the study was started from November 2024 to February 2025. The study included hypothyroid patients compared with healthy persons by analyzing the samples of blood parameters including hematological, iron regulatory markers and blood Cd level. Results: There were significant differences in the hematological, iron regulatory markers and cadmium in the patients when compared to controls at (p < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between Cd level and Hb, MCV and ferritin. While there was no statistical correlation between Cd with other iron parameters. ROC curve analysis for Cd indicated that Cd was a risk factor of hypothyroidism. Conclusion: From the ROC and Pearson correlation analysis we conclude that cadmium is a significant marker in alteration of the studied iron regulatory marker and hematological parameters. Keywords: Hypothyroidism, ferritin, Cadmium, hepcidin, iron markers