Hypothyroidism-related zinc deficiency leads to suppression of T lymphocyte activity

Purpose Hypothyroidism has been shown to induce immunosuppression and both the thyroid status and immunity are affected by zinc deficiency. However, the impact of hypothyroidism on zinc metabolism and its possible relationship with the immune status has not yet been deeply explored. Here, our aim was to study whether hypothyroidism may alter zinc metabolism and thus lead to the impairment of T lymphocyte activity.