Structural and functional state of arteries in women with metabolic syndrome associated with autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract

The aim of the research was to study structural and functional state of arteries in women with metabolic syndrome (MS) associated to autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), to improve the efficiency of therapeutic and preventive measures. The study sample included 108 women, 40 of them were with metabolic syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis and euthyroidism (group I), the second group consisted of 31 women with metabolic syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism (group II) and control group included 37 women with metabolic syndrome without thyroid disease. Laboratory examination included the study of lipid profile ( cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, LDL Very Low Density Lipoprotein, VLDL, high-density lipoproteins, HDL, triglycerides, atherogenic index), thyroid hormone levels (ATPO and ATG, fТ4, T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Also, patients were instrumental examination with ultrasound of the brachial artery to assess endothelium dependent and endothelium independent relaxation, the definition of complex intima-media thickness. In addition, it performed ultrasound of the kidneys with renal artery duplex scanning with the assessment of renovascular hemodynamics. All patients of the research showed elevated arterial stiffness endothelial dysfunction and remodeling of the vascular wall. These changes are most pronounced in women with metabolic syndrome associated with autoimmune thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism.