The effect of low-level laser therapy on the oxidative stress level and quality of life in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 38628043 · doi:10.1080/10715762.2024.2339892
What was done
Forty-six patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis receiving levothyroxine were randomized to receive either active low-level laser therapy (LLLT; n = 23) or sham LLLT (n = 23) twice weekly for three weeks. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and three months post-treatment. Outcomes included oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, Total Oxidant Status, Oxidative Stress Index), antioxidant capacity markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, Total Antioxidant Status), thyroid function, autoimmunity, and quality of life.
What was found
Both groups showed improvements in oxidant and antioxidant biomarker levels and quality of life (p < 0.05). Improvements in glutathione levels and quality of life were significantly higher in the active LLLT group compared to the sham control group. There were no significant differences or changes in thyroid function and autoimmunity between the two groups (p > 0.05). Specific numerical values and effect sizes were not provided in the abstract.
Why it matters
This trial suggests that LLLT may serve as a safe adjunctive therapy to reduce oxidative stress and improve subjective quality of life in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, though it does not appear to alter thyroid hormone production or autoimmune activity.
Limits
The sample size was small (46 participants total), and follow-up was limited to three months. The abstract omits exact numerical data, confidence intervals, and baseline values. The intervention failed to modify objective markers of disease pathology, such as thyroid function tests or thyroid autoantibodies.
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