Major Research Findings

Potassium iodide (KI) has been studied in various fields, and its effects have been revealed in several studies. 8 examined the effect of KI on artificial root caries lesions. The study found that the combined treatment of KI with silver diamine fluoride (SDF) resulted in a more homogeneous mineral distribution throughout the lesions compared to SDF alone. This combined treatment also led to a significant increase in surface microhardness and mineral density. In addition, the study showed that KI improved the subsurface area of the lesions, improving microhardness, elastic modulus, and the recovery of creep behavior of the demineralized dentine. 7 investigated the effects of repeated KI administration during pregnancy in rats. This study found that female offspring treated with KI showed a decrease in forced swimming test (FST) performance, while male offspring showed a decrease in rotarod test (RRT) performance. These performance declines were associated with metabolic disruptions in the cortex, involving amino acid metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) lipids, and signaling lipids. reported that KI can be effective in treating erythema annulare centrifugum-like neutrophilic dermatosis. 4 showed that incorporating KI into perovskite solar cells improved the crystallinity of the perovskite, increased grain size, and decreased the contact potential distribution at the grain boundary, leading to an optimized power conversion efficiency of 19.5% compared to 17.3% for the control. 13 investigated the effectiveness of short-term KI treatment for thyrotoxicosis in children due to Graves' disease. The study found that KI was effective in normalizing thyroid hormone levels. 11 demonstrated that adding KI to titanium dioxide nanoparticles enhanced their photocatalytic activity, resulting in a significant increase in antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. 20 investigated the effects of KI on the renin-angiotensin system in hypothyroid rats. The study found that KI did not significantly affect the activity of this system. discussed the potential of KI to act through immune mechanisms in the treatment of selective fungal infections. 9 investigated the effects of repeated KI administration on genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion in adult male rats. 17 studied the effects of chronic high-dose KI administration on iodine metabolism in the rat thyroid gland. The study found that KI increased iodine content in the thyroid gland tissue and suggested that reactive oxygen species and highly iodinated proteins could contribute to the development of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune diseases. 2 conducted a quantitative evaluation of the effects of KI on the clinical properties of SDF. This study found that KI reduced the staining caused by SDF, but its effectiveness decreased over time. Additionally, KI reduced the release of silver and fluoride ions from SDF. 18 reviewed the uses, pharmacology, adverse effects, and contraindications of KI in dermatology. 21 investigated the effects of KI, colchicine, and dapsone on the generation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-derived oxygen intermediates. The study found that both KI and dapsone significantly suppressed the generation of oxygen intermediates. 6 explored the anti-inflammatory effects of KI on SDS-induced murine skin inflammation. The study demonstrated that KI reduced the levels of IL-1 and TNF-α gene expression while increasing IL-10 gene expression, suggesting its anti-inflammatory effect. 12 investigated the effects of 3,5-diiodotyrosine (DIT) and KI on thyroid function and oxidative stress in iodine-excess Wistar rats. This study suggested that DIT had a protective effect by balancing the antioxidant system compared to KI. 10 studied the effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), KI, and chlorophyll on lead accumulation in male mice. This study found that DMSA was effective in reducing lead accumulation. 3 assessed the protective effect of applying KI over SDF on demineralized root dentin under sustained acidogenic attack. This study showed that applying KI over SDF provided protection against acid attacks. 19 investigated the effects of KI administration timing and dietary iodine levels on the blockade of thyroid irradiation by 131I from radioactive fallout. The study found that KI was effective in reducing thyroid irradiation but only when administered within 2 days before to approximately 8 hours after radioiodine intake. 5 compared the use of methylene blue (MB) and rose bengal (RB) in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) targeting Enterococcus faecalis with KI potentiation. The study found that both MB and RB enhanced the antimicrobial effect of PDT with KI potentiation. 1 explored a uniform design method to optimize the combinatorial parameters of aPDT using MB and KI against Candida species. The study found that this method could optimize the parameters, achieving better fungicidal effects. 14 reported remission after KI therapy in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism experiencing thionamide-associated side effects. 15 investigated the effects of KI on TSH, tT3, and tT4 serum concentrations in patients with sporotrichosis. The study found that KI could induce hyperthyroidism or subclinical iodine-induced hypothyroidism in some euthyroid patients.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Potassium iodide (KI) has shown promise in various fields, including dental health, dermatology, and energy. Studies suggest it can be beneficial in treating root caries, certain skin conditions, and improving the efficiency of solar cells. 8 4 Moreover, KI has potential in reducing the impact of radioactive iodine on the thyroid gland. 19

Risks Summary

While KI offers potential benefits, it's important to acknowledge potential risks. 7 revealed that repeated KI administration during pregnancy in rats can negatively impact the behavior of offspring. 17 suggested that chronic KI administration can increase iodine levels in thyroid gland tissue, potentially leading to oxidative stress. Additionally, 15 indicated that KI administration in patients with sporotrichosis could lead to hyperthyroidism or subclinical iodine-induced hypothyroidism. Due to its potential impact on thyroid function, KI should be used with caution, especially in individuals with pre-existing thyroid conditions or pregnant women.

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities

Multiple studies have shown the potential benefits of KI across diverse fields. The recurring themes include its effectiveness in treating root caries, skin conditions, improving solar cell efficiency, and mitigating the effects of radioactive iodine exposure. 8 4 19

Differences

The effectiveness and potential risks of KI vary depending on the dosage, administration method, and specific condition being treated. For example, in root caries treatment, combining KI with SDF has shown improved results. 8 However, repeated KI administration during pregnancy in rats has shown negative impacts on offspring behavior. 7 It's crucial to carefully consider the specific situation and select appropriate dosage and administration methods when using KI.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

While multiple studies highlight the benefits of KI in various fields, it's important to note potential risks, especially its impact on thyroid function. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects and the interactions of KI with other medications. 7 17 15

Practical Applications and Considerations

KI shows promise in promoting dental, skin, and energy health, as well as mitigating radioactive iodine exposure. However, self-treating with KI is not recommended. Consulting with healthcare professionals like doctors or dentists is crucial for appropriate usage. 8 4 19 Special caution is needed for individuals with pre-existing thyroid conditions or those who are pregnant.

Limitations of Current Research

Current research on KI has limitations, primarily regarding long-term effects and the impact on diverse populations. Further research is needed to understand the interactions of KI with other medications. 7 17

Future Research Directions

Future research should prioritize understanding the long-term effects of KI on different populations and its interactions with other medications. Developing safe usage guidelines and optimizing KI administration methods are essential. 7

Conclusion

Potassium iodide (KI) has shown potential benefits in various fields, including dentistry, dermatology, and energy, with promising results in treating root caries, certain skin conditions, improving solar cell efficiency, and mitigating radioactive iodine exposure. 8 4 19 However, KI can impact thyroid function, and it's crucial to exercise caution, especially for individuals with thyroid conditions or pregnant women. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and interactions of KI with other medications. Remember, consulting healthcare professionals for appropriate usage is essential.