Clinical Research Progress on the Correlation between Thyroid Hormones and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, fatal interstitial lung disease with unknown etiology, characterized by lung parenchymal scarring and progressive lung function decline, and poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent studies have confirmed a significant correlation between thyroid hormones (THs) and IPF’s occurrence and development. This article systematically reviews relevant clinical research progress: (1) Epidemiological studies show a significantly higher incidence of thyroid dysfunction in IPF patients; (2) Mechanistic studies indicate THs affect IPF progression by regulating glucose metabolism, improving mitochondrial function, inhibiting inflammation, modulating alveolar epithelial repair, and suppressing fibroblast activation; (3) Clinical intervention studies suggest thyroid function management may improve IPF prognosis. These findings provide new insights for IPF diagnosis and treatment, and this article further discusses the potential value of thyroid hormone replacement therapy in IPF management.