Foundation
Nitrates are a major contaminant of drinking water in agricultural regions and are present in large amounts in some vegetables. Nitrates compete with thyroid uptake of iodide, thus adversely affecting thyroid function.
Methodology
We examined the association between thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism in a cohort of 21,977 elderly women enrolled in 1986 in Iowa. 10 years. We used a public database of nitrate measurements (1955–1988) to estimate nitrate ingestion from drinking water. Dietary nitrate intake was estimated using food frequency questionnaires and levels from published literature. Cancer incidence was determined until 2004.
The result
We found an increased risk of thyroid cancer with high mean nitrate levels in public water supplies and water consumption greater than 5 mg/L nitrate-N (>5 mg/L for ≤5 years, relative risk [RR] = 2.6 ). [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-6.2]). We did not observe any association with the prevalence of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. High dietary nitrate intake was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer (highest vs. least square, RR = 2.9 [1.0–8.1]; P = 0.046 for trend) and prevalence of hypothyroidism (ratio = 1.2 [95%]). CI = 1.1-1.4]), but not hyperthyroidism.
Conclusion
Nitrates play a role in thyroid cancer and warrants further investigation.
Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system and the eighth most common malignancy among women.1 The incidence of thyroid cancer in the United States has increased significantly since 1980, increasing by 6% annually between 1997 and 1997. . 2003.2 This increase may reflect better detection, but recent analyzes of US incidence indicate at least some increase in major cancers and among men and women of all races and ethnicities.4,5 This In addition to detection, other factors are shown.
Papillary thyroid cancer accounts for more than 70% of thyroid tumors in the United States. The only known risk factor is exposure to ionizing radiation, especially in young children.1 Some epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of goitre, number of pregnancies7, and a lower risk of eating fish and cruciferous vegetables.1,6
Ingested nitrate inhibits thyroid iodide uptake by binding to the sodium-iodide symporter on the surface of thyroid follicles. It decreases levels of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and increases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH controls thyroid hormone production through a negative feedback loop.8-11 Chronic stimulation of the thyroid gland by TSH leads to proliferative changes in follicular cells, including hypertrophy, hyperplasia, as well as neoplasia.12,13 There is some evidence from human studies. Elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water are associated with increased thyroid size and frequency of thyroid disorders. 14,15 Nitrate and nitrite are also precursors for the endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds, which are carcinogenic in thyroid-forming animals. and many other cancers in animal models.16 Ingestion of nitrates and nitrites has been associated with an increased risk of gastric, esophageal, and other cancers in some epidemiological studies.17
Nitrate is a common contaminant in drinking water, particularly in agricultural areas where nitrate concentrations in drinking water supplies have increased since the 1950s due to the use of nitrogen fertilizers.18–20 Nitrate is a natural component of the diet and is present at high levels. green leafy vegetables and some root vegetables. There is some evidence that high fertilizer use increases nitrate levels in vegetables.21 For example, organically grown lettuce that does not receive inorganic nitrogen fertilizers has lower nitrate levels than conventionally grown lettuce.22 Therefore, intensive farming practices may have increased. is. exposure to nitrates from food and drinking water sources.
High levels of nitrate poisoning can cause methemoglobinemia in infants. For this reason, nitrate in public water supplies is regulated at a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L (approximately 45 mg/L as nitrate) as nitrate-nitrogen (N). Special attention was paid to the food level of children, and the permissible daily amount was established for the diet. However, regulatory limits for nitrate in food and water have not been extensively studied in relation to other health outcomes.23 To date, epidemiological studies of thyroid cancer risk have not evaluated nitrate intake in relation to thyroid cancer, and betweend hypothyroidism in relation to nitrate intake from drinking water and dietary sources in a prospective cohort of older women in Iowa.
