Thyroid dysfunction in aging and cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome: metabolic regulation and clinical implications
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Thyroid hormones are involved in multiple metabolic pathways in the body and are essential for maintaining organ functions across the lifespan. Aging-related thyroid dysfunction has a bidirectional relationship with the development of chronic diseases including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and contributes to the progression of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome via complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Systematically elaborating on the characteristics of thyroid function related to aging and its regulatory role in metabolism and cardiovascular homeostasis, can provide new therapeutic strategies and theoretical basis for revealing the molecular network and metabolic process of the CKM syndrome. In this review, we have summarized the manifestations of thyroid hormone homeostasis in age-related changes, and the underlying potential mechanisms during aging and longevity processes. Moreover, we systematically elucidated the pivotal role of thyroid hormones in cardiovascular and renal homeostasis, discussed the interplay between thyroid dysfunction and metabolic risk factors in CKM syndrome, particularly issues related to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Patients with thyroid dysfunction develop CKM syndrome through a positive feedback loop centered on metabolic disorders and organic dysfunction. Moreover, we pointed out that novel drugs targeting thyroid hormone receptors are expected to slow down the progression of CKM syndrome and reduce cardiovascular risks.
Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Institution: China-Japan Friendship Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Funder: China-Japan Friendship Hospital
OpenAlex ID: W7223181473