Showing papers on "Iodine published in 2012"

Iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction.

Abstract: Iodine is required for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones Recommended daily iodine intake in adults is 150 μg daily, except in pregnant and lactating women who require higher amounts of iodine The primary source of iodine is the diet, where iodine intake is predominantly obtained from dairy products, grains, and iodized salt However, seaweed and other sources of iodine, including iodinated contrast media, nutritional supplements, and some medications, such as amiodarone and povidone-iodine, can be responsible for iodine excess A healthy thyroid is able to adapt to iodine excess due to escape from the acute Wolff-Chaikoff effect However, iodine excess can induce hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid autoimmunity Iodine-induced hypothyroidism is due to failure to escape from the acute Wolff-Chaikoff effect; it is typically transient and may not require treatment Levothyroxine replacement therapy is necessary in some patients Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism develops in patients with underlying autonomy of the thyroid, in which the iodine load acts as a substrate for the thyroid to produce excess amounts of thyroid hormones (Jod-Basedow phenomenon) It is usually transient and requires only treatment with β-blockers Patients with severe or persistent hyperthyroidism require treatment with antithyroid drugs Prophylactic treatment to avoid the onset of thyroid dysfunction after exposure to iodine excess is generally not recommended

Iodine concentration of organic and conventional milk: implications for iodine intake

Abstract: Iodine is required for adequate thyroid hormone production, which is essential for brain development, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy. Milk is the principal source of iodine in UK diets, and while small studies in Europe have shown organic milk to have a lower iodine concentration than conventional milk, no such study has been conducted in Britain. In view of the increasing popularity of organic milk in the UK, we aimed to compare the iodine concentration of retail organic and conventional milk and to evaluate regional influences in iodine levels. Samples of organic milk (n 92) and conventional milk (n 80), purchased from retail outlets in sixteen areas of the UK (southern England, Wales and Northern Ireland), were analysed for iodine using inductively coupled plasma MS. The region of origin of the milk was determined from information on the label. Organic milk was 42·1 % lower in iodine content than conventional milk (median iodine concentration 144·5 v. 249·5 ng/g; P < 0·001). There was no difference in the iodine concentration of either conventional or organic milk by area of purchase. However, a difference was seen in iodine concentration of organic milk by region of origin (P < 0·001). The lower iodine concentration of organic milk has public-health implications, particularly in view of emerging evidence of iodine deficiency in UK population sub-groups, including pregnant women. Individuals who choose organic milk should be aware that their iodine intake may be compromised and should ensure adequate iodine intake from alternative sources.

One Month Is Sufficient for Urinary Iodine to Return to Its Baseline Value After the Use of Water-Soluble Iodinated Contrast Agents in Post-Thyroidectomy Patients Requiring Radioiodine Therapy

Abstract: Background: There is a concern regarding the use of iodinated contrast agents (ICA) for chest and neck computed tomography (CT) to localize metastatases in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This is because the iodine in ICA can compete with 131I and interfere with subsequent whole scans or radioactive iodine treatment. The required period for patients to eliminate the excess iodine is not clear. Therefore, knowing the period for iodine levels to return to baseline after the injection of ICA would permit a more reliable indication of CT for DTC patients. The most widely used marker to assess the plasmatic iodine pool is the urinary iodine (UI) concentration, which can be collected over a period of 24 hours (24U) or as a single-spot urinary sample (sU). As 24U collections are more difficult to perform, sU samples are preferable. It has not been established, however, if the measurement of iodine in sU is accurate for situations of excess iodine. Methods: We evaluated 25 patients with DTC who...

Synthesis of 5-Iodo-1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles Mediated by in Situ Generated Copper(I) Catalyst and Electrophilic Triiodide Ion

Abstract: Mixing copper(II) perchlorate and sodium iodide solutions results in copper(I) species and the electrophilic triiodide ions, which collectively mediate the cycloaddition reaction of organic azide and terminal alkyne to afford 5-iodo-1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles. One molar equivalent of an amine additive is required for achieving a full conversion. Excessive addition of the amine compromises the selectivity for 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazole by promoting the formation of 5-proto-1,2,3-triazole. Based on preliminary kinetic and structural evidence, a mechanistic model is formulated in which a 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazole is formed via iodination of a copper(I) triazolide intermediate by the electrophilic triiodide ions (and possibly triethyliodoammonium ions). The experimental evidence explains the higher reactivity of the in situ generated copper(I) species and triiodide ion in the formation of 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazoles than that of the pure forms of copper(I) iodide and iodine.

Efficiency enhancement by mixed cation effect in dye-sensitized solar cells with PAN based gel polymer electrolyte

Abstract: Dye-sensitized solar cells based on nano-porous TiO2 photo-anode and quasi-solid polymer (or gel) electrolytes are emerging as low cost alternatives to conventional inorganic photovoltaic devices. Although many attempts have been made in order to improve the relatively low power conversion efficiencies of these solar cells, to our knowledge there are very few reports aimed at using a binary system of two different iodide salts toward efficiency enhancement in these cells. In this paper we report for the first time in detail, the effect of using a binary iodide salt mixture with different size cations on the efficiency enhancement in dye sensitized solar cells with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based gel polymer electrolyte and suggest a possible mechanism for this enhancement, based on short circuit photocurrent which is directly related to the iodide ion concentration [I-]. The gel electrolyte was made of PAN, ethelene carbonate (EC), Propylene carbonate (PC), salt mixture and I-2. The binary iodide salt mixture consists of potassium iodide (KI) and Tetra propyl ammonium iodide (Pr4NI). Although the gel electrolyte with 100% (w/w) KI exhibited the highest overall ionic conductivity at room temperature, it showed the lowest iodide ion (I-) contribution to conductivity. On the other hand, the electrolyte with 100% (w/w) Pr4NI exhibited the lowest overall ionic conductivity but had the highest iodide ion(I-) contribution. The dye-sensitized solar cells of configuration Glass/FTO/TiO2/N-719 Dye/electrolyte/Pt/FTO/glass were fabricated using the gel electrolytes of different salt ratios and with nanoporous TiO2 electrode sensitized with Ruthenium dye (N719). With identical electrolyte compositions, the solar cell with 100% (w/w) KI showed an efficiency of 4.98% and the cell with 100% (w/w) Pr4NI showed an efficiency of 4.47%. However, the cell with the mixed iodide system, 16.6% (w/w) KI + 83.4%(w/w) Pr4NI showed the highest efficiency of 5.36% with maximum short circuit current density (J(SC)) of 13.79 mA cm(-2), open circuit voltage (V-OC) of 679.10 mV and a fill factor of 57.25%. The variation of efficiency (eta) with iodide ion concentration [I-] follows the same trend as the J(SC) which appears to be governed by the iodide ion conductivity of the gel electrolyte. The dependence of the short circuit photocurrent and the open circuit photovoltage on the cation type generally agrees with reported data for related systems. However, the occurrence of a maximum in the solar cell efficiency and short circuit photocurrent at 16.6% (w/w)10 + 83.4% (w/w) Pr4NI salt composition is an important finding. The efficiency enhancement of about 8% achieved by employing the binary iodide mixture in the gel electrolyte instead of a single iodide salt, could be utilized for achieving efficiency enhancement in many dye sensitized solar cell systems based on polymeric, gel or solvent electrolytes.

The Mechanism of Iodine Reduction by TiO2 Electrons and the Kinetics of Recombination in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract: Electron transfer from TiO2 to iodine/iodide electrolytes proceeds via reduction of either I3– or uncomplexed I2 (free iodine), but which route predominates has not previously been determined. By measurement of the electron lifetime while independently varying free iodine or I3– concentrations, we find the lifetime is correlated with free-iodine concentration and independent of I3– concentration. This trend supports the hypothesis that electron recombination to the electrolyte occurs predominantly by iodine reduction rather than reduction of triiodide.

Thyroid dysfunction during late gestation is associated with excessive iodine intake in pregnant women.

Abstract: Context: Adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is essential for both the synthesis of maternal thyroid hormones and the maintenance of normal fetal brain development. Scant evidence is available on the effects of excessive iodine intake during pregnancy. Objective: The study assesses the relationship between iodine nutritional status and thyroid function of pregnant women with excessive iodine intake during late gestation. Design and Participants: A cross-sectional study of 384 pregnant women was carried out in Tianjin and Haixing from April to October in 2010. Main Outcome Measures: Morning urine samples and blood samples were obtained from all subjects. Serum levels of free T3, free T4, and sensitive TSH and urinary iodine concentration were measured. Results: The median urinary iodine concentration of pregnant women with excessive iodine intake was significantly higher than those with adequate iodine intake (P < 0.001). The prevalence of thyroid disease, especially subclinical hypothyroidism, in preg...

Iodine nutrition and the prevalence of thyroid disease after salt iodization: a cross-sectional survey in Shanghai, a coastal area in China.

Abstract: Background Both insufficient and excess iodine may produce thyroid disease. After salt iodization in China, the median urine iodine concentration (UIC) of children aged 8–10 years appeared adequate. However, it is unknown whether dietary changes due to rapid economic development in Shanghai have affected whole population iodine nutrition. Objective To assess dietary iodine intake, UIC and the prevalence of thyroid disease in the general population of Shanghai. Design A cross-sectional survey was conducted with general participants aged 5–69 years (n = 7,904) plus pregnant and lactating women (n = 380 each) selected by stratified multistage sampling. The iodine concentrations in their salt, drinking water and urine were measured. Daily iodine intake was estimated using the total diet study approach. Serum thyroid hormone concentrations and thyroid-related antibodies were measured and thyroid ultrasonography was performed. Results The median iodine concentration in salt was 29.5 mg/kg, and 12.8 µg/L in drinking water. Iodized salt, used by 95.3% of participants, contributed 63.5% of total dietary iodine. Estimated daily iodine intake was 225.96 µg. The median UIC of general participants was 146.7 µg/L; UIC 300 µg/L (iodine excess) in 10.1%. Pregnant women had a median UIC of 135.9 µg/L, with UIC <150 µg/L in 55.4%. Thyroid nodules and subclinical hypothyroidism were found in 27.44% and 9.17%, respectively. Conclusions According to published criteria, the current dietary iodine intake in Shanghai was generally sufficient and safe, but insufficient in pregnant women. Thyroid nodules and subclinical hypothyroidism were the commonest thyroid diseases identified.

Clinical evaluation of diamine silver fluoride/potassium iodide as a dentine desensitizing agent. A pilot study

Abstract: Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of an experimental diamine silver fluoride/potassium iodide product with an oxalic acid-based preparation in reducing dentine hypersensitivity. Methods: The study was conducted as a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. A total of 19 subjects with dentine hypersensitivity on both sides of their upper arch were selected. The most sensitive tooth in each quadrant was identified and received a cold stimulus. The response was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The tooth thus selected was treated with one of the treatment agents. One week later the level of dentine sensitivity was assessed. Participants were also asked for their subjective assessment of treatment effects. Results: The mean difference between VAS at baseline and seven days for teeth treated with diamine silver fluoride/potassium iodide was greater than that for teeth treated with the oxalic acid-based preparation (p = 0.0134). The subjects’ subjective assessment of changes in dentine hypersensitivity indicated that more obtained relief with the diamine silver fluoride/potassium iodide treatment (p = 0.0129). Conclusions: It was concluded that an experimental diamine silver fluoride/potassium iodide product has potential as a treatment for dentine hypersensitivity.

On the Intercalation of the Iodine−Iodide Couple on Layered Double Hydroxides with Different Particle Sizes

Abstract: Molecular iodine was intercalated from nonaqueous solution into microsized ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) in the iodide form, generating the I3–/I– redox couple into the interlayer region. Chloroform, ethanol, acetonitrile, or diethyl ether were used as solvents to dissolve the molecular iodine. The intercalation compounds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The stability of iodine–solvent adducts and the iodine concentration affected the LDH iodine loading, and samples with I2/I– molar ratio ranging from 0.14 to 0.82 were prepared. Nanosized, well dispersible LDH, synthesized by the urea method in water–ethylene glycol media, were also prepared and successfully functionalized with the I3–/I– redox couple applying the conditions optimized for the micrometric systems.

Structural Insight into Iodide Uptake by AFm Phases

Abstract: The ability of cement phases carrying positively charged surfaces to retard the mobility of (129)I, present as iodide (I(-)) in groundwater, was investigated in the context of safe disposal of radioactive waste. (125)I sorption experiments on ettringite, hydrotalcite, chloride-, carbonate- and sulfate-containing AFm phases indicated that calcium-monosulfate (AFm-SO(4)) is the only phase that takes up trace levels of iodide. The structures of AFm phases prepared by coprecipitating iodide with other anions were investigated in order to understand this preferential uptake mechanism. X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations showed a segregation of monoiodide (AFm-I(2)) and Friedel's salt (AFm-Cl(2)) for I-Cl mixtures, whereas interstratifications of AFm-I(2) and hemicarboaluminate (AFm-OH-(CO(3))(0.5)) were observed for the I-CO(3) systems. In contrast, XRD measurements indicated the formation of a solid solution between AFm-I(2) and AFm-SO(4) for the I-SO(4) mixtures. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy showed a modification of the coordination environment of iodine in I-CO(3) and in I-SO(4) samples compared to pure AFm-I(2). This is assumed to be due to the introduction of stacking faults in I-CO(3) samples on one hand and due to the presence of sulfate and associated space-filling water molecules as close neighbors in I-SO(4) samples on the other hand. The formation of a solid solution between AFm-I(2) and AFm-SO(4), with a short-range mixing of iodide and sulfate, implies that AFm-SO(4) bears the potential to retard (129)I.

Measured binding coefficients for iodine and ruthenium dyes; implications for recombination in dye sensitised solar cells

Abstract: We have measured the binding coefficients of iodine to three dyes used in Dye Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSCs) Binding coefficients are quantified via the effect of iodine binding on the UV-vis spectrum of the dye From iodine titration curves of dye sensitised TiO2 films we find that the binding coefficients of iodine to the dyes C101, N719 and AR24 (vide infra) are in the range of 2000–4000 M−1 From FTIR results and molecular modelling we show the iodine binds to the thiocyanate group in all these dyes For the AR24 dye we present evidence that iodine also binds to the amine moiety on this dye With these binding coefficients we show that the dye–iodine complex will be present at much higher concentrations than free iodine in the pore structure of a DSSC As we have recently shown that iodine (rather than tri-iodide) is the dominant acceptor in electron recombination, the concentration dye–iodine complexes could influence recombination rates and thus Voc By comparison of recombination data on full cells, we show that AR24 accelerates recombination by a factor of 7 over N719, presumably due to the iodine binding to the amine group We leave open the question why iodine binding to the amine group seems to have a stronger effect on the recombination than does binding to the thiocyanate

Variable Iodine Intake Persists in the Context of Universal Salt Iodization in China

Abstract: Iodine deficiency disorders were prevalent in China until the introduction of universal salt iodization in 1995. Concerns have recently arisen about possible excess iodine intake in this context. To document iodine intake and the contribution from iodized salt in China, we surveyed dietary iodine intake during China's nationally representative 2007 total diet study (TDS) and during an additional TDS in 4 coastal provinces and Beijing in 2009. Iodine intake was broken down by age and sex in 2009. Mean daily iodine and salt intake and the contribution from different food and beverage groups (and in 2009, individual items) was measured. The iodine in food cooked with iodized and noniodized salt was also assessed. The mean calculated iodine intake of a standard male in China was 425 μg/d in 2007 and 325 μg/d in coastal areas in 2009, well below the upper limit (UL) in all provinces. In 2009, iodine intake was above the UL in only 1-7% of age-sex groups, except among children (18-19%). A concerning number of individuals consumed less than the WHO-recommended daily allowance, including 31.5% of adult women. Salt contributed 63.5% of food iodine, and 24.6% of salt iodine was lost in cooking. Overall salt consumption declined between the surveys. Salt iodization assures iodine nutrition in China where environmental iodine is widely lacking. The risk of iodine excess is low, but planned decreases in salt iodization levels may increase the existing risk of inadequate intake. Regular monitoring of urinary iodine and more research on the impact of excess iodine intake is recommended.

Potassium iodide catalyzed simultaneous C3-formylation and N-aminomethylation of indoles with 4-substituted-N,N-dimethylanilines

Abstract: A one-pot dual functionalization of indoles has been developed. The simultaneous C3-formylation and N-aminomethylation of indoles can be achieved using readily available potassium iodide as a catalyst and tert-butyl peroxybenzoate as a co-oxidant.

Perchlorate and thiocyanate exposure and thyroid function in first-trimester pregnant women from Greece.

Abstract: Objective Thyroid hormone, requiring adequate maternal iodine intake, is critical for neurodevelopment in utero. Perchlorate and, less so, thiocyanate decrease uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland by competitively inhibiting the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). It remains unclear whether environmental perchlorate exposure adversely affects thyroid function in first-trimester pregnant women. Design Cross-sectional. Patients 134 pregnant women from Athens, Greece, at mean ± SD 10·9 ± 2·3 weeks' gestation. Measurements Urinary iodide, perchlorate, and thiocyanate and thyroid function tests were measured. Results The median urinary iodide was 120 μg/l. Urinary perchlorate levels were detectable in all women: median (range) 4·1 (0·2–118·5) μg/l. Serum thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO Ab) were detectable in 16% of women. Using Spearman's rank correlation analyses, there was no correlation between urinary perchlorate concentrations and serum TSH, although inverse correlations were seen between urine perchlorate and free T3 and free T4 values. In univariate analyses, urine thiocyanate was positively correlated with serum TSH, but was not associated with serum free T3 or free T4. Urine perchlorate was positively correlated with gestational age. In multivariate analyses adjusting for urinary iodide concentrations, urine thiocyanate, gestational age, maternal age and TPO Ab titres, urine perchlorate was not a significant predictor of thyroid function. Conclusions Low-level perchlorate and thiocyanate exposure is ubiquitous, but, in adjusted analyses, is not associated with alterations in thyroid function tests among mildly iodine-deficient Greek women in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Insights into the Photochemical Transformation of Iodine in Aqueous Systems: Humic Acid Photosensitized Reduction of Iodate

Abstract: Marine aerosol is highly enriched in iodine, mostly in the form of iodate (IO3–) ions, compared to its relative abundance in seawater. This paper describes a laboratory study of the photochemical reduction of IO3– in the presence of humic acid. Spectroscopic analysis showed that ∼20% of IO3– was converted to “free” iodide (I–) ions and this fraction remained constant as a function of time. Direct detection of an organically fixed fraction (i.e., ∼ 80%) was not possible, but a number of test reactions with surrogate organic compounds containing functional groups identified in humic acid structures indicate that efficient substitution of iodine occurs at aromatic 1,2 diol sites. These iodinated humic acids are stable with respect to photolysis at near-UV/visible wavelengths and are likely to account for a significant proportion of the soluble iodine-containing organic material occurring within aerosols. In the lower atmosphere, oxidation of I– to I2 in marine aerosol occurs mostly through the uptake of O3, ...

Breastmilk iodine concentrations following acute dietary iodine intake.

Abstract: Background: Breastmilk iodine levels may vary temporally in response to recent changes in dietary iodine intake. We assessed the effect of and time to peak breastmilk iodine levels after potassium ...

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women in the apparently iodine-sufficient capital city of Turkey.

Abstract: SummaryObjective Previous studies of the current iodine status in Turkey have yielded contradictory results. Although urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in school age children (SAC) suggests sufficient iodine status, studies on neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) indicate that iodine deficiency is a continuing problem. We aimed to assess the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women living in Ankara, an area that has appeared to be iodine sufficient in earlier studies. Design Hospital-based, noninterventional, prospective, cross-sectional study. Methods A total of 162 pregnant women in their second trimester were examined regarding iodized salt use, UIC, presence or absence of goitre and thyroid function. Goitre status was determined by palpation. UIC was measured using colorimetric method based on Sandell–Kolthoff reaction. Thyroid hormones and TSH were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassays. Results While the proportion of iodized salt use was 80·2%, UIC was below 150 μg/l in 72·8% of the women. The median UIC was 80·5 (8·9–340·3) μg/l, indicating insufficient iodine intake. Total goitre rate was 15·4%. Preferential T3 secretion reflected by elevated molar ratios of FT3/FT4 was present in 89·5% of the women. 12·4% had subclinical hypothyroidism or isolated hypothyroxinaemia based on serum TSH and FT4 levels. Conclusions Our study shows that iodine deficiency is a serious problem among pregnant women in Ankara. These data confirm that iodine nutritional status among SAC does not reflect the iodine supply for pregnant women. We propose that nationwide surveillance studies should urgently be performed to directly assess and monitor the iodine status of pregnant women. We also consider that pregnant women in Turkey should be supplemented by iodine-containing preparations in addition to iodized salt.

Iodide oxidation by a novel multicopper oxidase from the alphaproteobacterium strain Q-1.

Abstract: Alphaproteobacterium strain Q-1 is able to oxidize iodide (I(-)) to molecular iodine (I(2)) by an oxidase-like enzyme. One of the two isoforms of the iodide-oxidizing enzyme (IOE-II) produced by this strain was excised from a native polyacrylamide gel, eluted, and purified. IOE-II appeared as a single band (51 kDa) and showed significant in-gel iodide-oxidizing activity in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis without heat treatment. However, at least two bands with much higher molecular masses (150 and 230 kDa) were observed with heat treatment (95°C, 3 min). IOE-II was inhibited by NaN(3), KCN, EDTA, and a copper chelator, o-phenanthroline. In addition to iodide, IOE-II showed significant activities toward phenolic compounds such as syringaldazine, 2,6-dimethoxy phenol, and p-phenylenediamine. IOE-II contained copper atoms as prosthetic groups and had UV/VIS absorption peaks at 320 and 590 nm. Comparison of several internal amino acid sequences obtained from trypsin-digested IOE-II with a draft genome sequence of strain Q-1 revealed that the products of two open reading frames (IoxA and IoxC), with predicted molecular masses of 62 and 71 kDa, are involved in iodide oxidation. Furthermore, subsequent tandem mass spectrometric analysis repeatedly detected peptides from IoxA and IoxC with high sequence coverage (32 to 40%). IoxA showed homology with the family of multicopper oxidases and included four copper-binding regions that are highly conserved among various multicopper oxidases. These results suggest that IOE-II is a multicopper oxidase and that it may occur as a multimeric complex in which at least two proteins (IoxA and IoxC) are associated.

Prolonged high iodine intake is associated with inhibition of type 2 deiodinase activity in pituitary and elevation of serum thyrotropin levels.

Abstract: Our previous epidemiological study indicated that excessive intake of iodine could potentially lead to hypothyroidism. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the time and dose effect of iodine intake on serum thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH) levels and to explore the non-autoimmune regulation of serum TSH by pituitary type 2 deiodinase (D2). A total of 360 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups depending on administered iodine dosages (folds of physiological dose): normal iodine (NI), 3-fold iodine (3HI), 6-fold iodine (6HI), 10-fold iodine (10HI) and 50-fold iodine (50HI). At 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after administration of sodium iodide, blood was collected for serum TSH measurement by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Pituitaries were also excised for measurement of TSHβ subunit expression, D2 expression and activity, monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) and thyroid hormone receptor β2 isoform (TRβ2) levels. The results showed that iodine intake of 10HI and 50HI significantly increased pituitary and serum TSH levels from 8 to 24 weeks (P < 0·05 v. NI). Excess iodine had no effect on D2 mRNA or protein expression; however, 10HI and 50HI administration significantly inhibited pituitary D2 activities from 8 to 24 weeks (P < 0·05 v. NI). Iodine had no effect on MCT8 or TRβ2 protein levels. We conclude that prolonged high iodine intake inhibits pituitary D2 activity and induces elevation of serum TSH levels. These findings may provide a potential mechanism of iodine excess-induced overt and subclinical hypothyroidism.

Potassium iodide capsule treatment of feline sporotrichosis

Abstract: Sporotrichosis is a mycosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii. The most affected animal is the cat; it has played an important role in the zoonotic transmission of this disease, especially in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, since 1998. In order to evaluate the treatment of feline sporotrichosis with potassium iodide, an observational cohort was conducted in 48 cats with sporotrichosis at Instituto de Pesquisa Clinica Evandro Chagas, Fiocruz. All cats received potassium iodide capsules, 2.5 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg q24h. The cure rate was 47.9%, treatment failure was 37.5%, treatment abandonment was 10.4% and death was 4.2%. Clinical adverse effects were observed in 52.1% of the cases. Thirteen cats had a mild increase in hepatic transaminase levels during the treatment, six of them presented clinical signs suggestive of hepatotoxicity. Compared to previous studies with itraconazole and iodide in saturated solution, potassium iodide capsules are an alternative for feline sporotrichosis treatment.