Hyperthyroidism and Wnt Signaling Pathway: Influence on Bone Remodeling

Abstract

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland, characterized by increased production of thyroid hormones, which can affect many different organ systems in the body. Among other problems, it can cause disorders of the skeletal system, shortening the bone remodeling cycle and causing a decrease in bone density. The Wnt cascade signaling pathway and the β-catenin, as a part of the canonical Wnt pathway, also play roles in maintaining bone mass. Inhibition of the Wnt pathway can cause bone loss, and its stimulation can increase it. The Wnt signaling pathway influences the effectiveness of thyroid hormones by affecting receptors for thyroid hormones and deiodinase, while thyroid hormones can change levels of β-catenin within the cell cytoplasm. This indicates that the Wnt pathway and thyroid hormone levels, including hyperthyroidism, are linked and may act together to change bone density. In this review article, we attempt to explain the interplay between thyroid hormones and the Wnt pathway on bone density, with a focus on directions for further research and treatment options.