Lipid Profile, Insulin Resistance And Cytokines Evaluation In Autoimmune Thyroiditis Patients

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction has been associated with cardiovascular events since it worsens atherogenesis, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Thyroid hormones and adipokines regulate metabolism. The impact of thyroid dysfunction on adipokines remains controversial. Our objective was to evaluate interrelations between thyroid function and cardiovascular risk factors as insulin resistance, lipid profile, inflammatory markers and adipokines, in autoimmune thyroiditis patients.Methods: Sixty patients with autoimmune thyroiditis were evaluated and measured thyroid function and autoimmunity, lipid profile, serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid, high sensitivity C reactive protein, adiponectin, resistin, PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1), VCAM-1 (vascular adhesion molecule 1), ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1), and insulin resistance markers comprising HOMA-IR and WBISI (Whole-Body Insulin Sensitivity Index). A 75-g OGTT was performed and blood samples were collected every 30 minutes for 120 minutes for measurements of plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide. Pearson's correlations were performed for statistical analysis.Results: In our sample, median age was 51.0 (32.3-59.8) years. Forty percent of patients were taking levothyroxine. TSH was correlated positively with HOMA-IR (r=0.317; p=0.014) and negatively with WBISI (r=-0.311; p=0.027). Free T3 was correlated negatively with PAI-1 (r=-0.328; p=0.011).Conclusion: The association between autoimmune thyroiditis and cardiovascular risk is complex and multifactorial. We found significant interrelationships between thyroid function, insulin resistance and PAI-1.