Two hundred years after discovery of iodine--less known functions of the element in human organism.

The main role of iodine in human organism is related to biosynthesis of thyroid hormones. The less known metabolic pathway of the element is formation of iodolipids (mainly iodoaldehydes and iodolactones). One of the compounds, 6-iodo-5-hydroxy-eicosatrienoic acid delta-lactone (6-IL), is believed to inhibit goiter growth, to modulate the cell response on some growth factors, and to trigger apoptosis in some types of cells. Another one, 2-iodohexadecanal (2-IHDA), probably also inhibits goiter growth and mediates the Wolff-Chaikoff-effect. Epidemiological and experimental data suggest a relation of iodine to some tumor diseases. Preventing of iodine deficiency diminishes prevalence of goiter as well as some non-goiter diseases.