What are the Roles of Thyroid Hormones in Human Body?

Hormones are an important part of the human body. They act as regulators, messengers and development governors in the human body. There are about 50 different hormones in the human body that vary according to their function, structure and response. Thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are one of them. Thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and is majorly responsible for the regulation of metabolism. There are, however, several other roles that a thyroid hormone plays in the human body. Listed below are the roles that thyroid hormone plays in the human body:

1. Metabolism is one of the major functions of thyroid hormone. T3 acts as an energy booster in mitochondria, influencing mitochondrial gene transcription and triggering rapid protein synthesis. These activities, in turn, lead to the release of free fatty acids and protein breakdown. The use of oxygen is also increased. To meet the increased oxygen needs, thyroid hormone improves the heart functioning.
2. Thyroid hormone also plays an important role in vertebrate development and metamorphosis. It binds to the thyroid hormone receptors and facilitates development by changing into an activated form. After getting activated TRs bind to the responsive elements in DNA and trigger gene transcription. This in turn copies some genes while preventing some others from being copied. Two major forms of thyroid receptors are thyroid-alpha and thyroid-beta.
3. Thyroid hormone also plays an important role in the regulation of body temperature. Depending upon the external temperature and calorie intake, thyroid hormone fluctuates to varying levels. If someone is starving, the thyroid hormone levels decrease naturally, in order to prevent excess calorie intake and ketone built up in the body. Ketone build up can have an adverse effect on several parts of the bodies including kidneys. TH levels also fall when someone is ill. This, however, rebuilds once the person recovers from the illness.
4. Some latest researches have also revealed that thyroid hormones play an important role in sleep regulation. The research is underway and the final reports will relieve the quantity of thyroid hormones released in the brain during sleeping and waking.
5. Thyroid receptors are nuclear receptors that change their configuration after getting attached to T3. Once TRs have changed their configuration, they attached to responsive elements like those present in the genome.

Thyroid hormones play several roles other than regulation of the metabolism. Various researches are being conducted to bring these hidden roles of thyroid hormone into focus.

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