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Horm Metab Res 2018; 50(12): 887-893
DOI: 10.1055/a-0658-7889
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Mechanistic Pathways of Selenium in the Treatment of Graves’ Disease and Graves’ Orbitopathy

Michele Marinò
1   Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
,
Giovanna Rotondo Dottore
1   Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
,
Marenza Leo
1   Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
,
Claudio Marcocci
1   Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 30 May 2018

accepted 04 July 2018

Publication Date:
10 August 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Based on the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Graves’ hyperthyroidism and Graves’ orbitopathy, the use of the antioxidant agent selenium has been proposed and several studies on the subject have been conducted, both in vitro and in vivo. Whereas a true benefit related to the use of selenium in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism has been questioned, its use in patients with mild Graves’ orbitopathy is generally believed to be beneficial because of which selenium has entered in the clinical practice for this eye condition.

Key words

thyrotoxicosis - Graves’ disease - hyperthyroidism
 

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