Serum Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Research Articles

ASSOCIATION OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME AND THYROID DYSFUNCTION AMONG REPRODUCTIVE WOMEN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is became most common problem in the reproductive age group women who seem to be adversely affected by associated thyroid dysfunction. Ovarian failure and pregnancy-related complications leaded by both factors. The study helps to explore the incidence and etiology of diverse thyroid conditions among PCOS individuals. Methods: This prospective single‑center study with 40 female patients with hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, oligo‐anovulation, and polycystic ovaries patients were defined as having PCOS according to the revised 2003 Rotterdam criteria and Ferriman–Gallwey score with comprised the study population. Normal female subjects were studied as the control population who had normal thyroid function and without PCOS. By measuring of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine levels (free T3 and free T4), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can evaluate thyroid function. Along with ultrasound was performed to confirm the PCOS. By SPSS version 19 Chi-square test and t-test were determined. Results: This case–control study revealed that a statistically significant higher prevalence of PCOS patients was found to have higher mean TSH values that were 5.33±2.51 μIU/mL, the mean for T3 and T4 was 154±138 μg/dL and 11.27±8.47 μg/dL, respectively. The mean FSH values were 07.27±4.49 μIU/mL, the mean LH was 84.27±38.49 μIU/mL, the mean estrogen 342±202 pg/mL, the mean progesterone values were 14.2±8.9 ng/mL and the mean testosterone levels were 69.73±9.28 ng/mL. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction shows a high prevalence in PCOS patients. Dysfunction can be treated which helps to manage infertility associated with PCOS.

Stijgend gebruik van levothyroxine in België

Increasing use of levothyroxine in Belgium In the past decades, increased prescription of levothyroxine (LT4) has been observed in Belgium, different countries in Western Europe and North America. The increased screening for thyroid dysfunction, longer life expectancy and lower threshold for the initiation of LT4 therapy are believed to play a role. The goal of this article is to present a data overview on the prevalence of hypothyroidism, LT4 use and screening for hypothyroidism in Belgium and other countries. The Belgian data are in line with those from other countries, where an increase in LT4 prescriptions has been observed. The threshold for the initiation of LT4 seems to have lowered. Not only the indication to start LT4, but also follow-up of the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are important to avoid complications. The elderly deserve special attention because of an age-related increase of the serum TSH level. This may increase the risk of overdiagnosis of hypothyroidism and overtreatment with LT4, which is associated with iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis, atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis. In the elderly, the decision whether or not to start LT4 needs to be individualized, particularly in cases with mild TSH elevation. If LT4 is initiated, the principle ‘start low, go slow’ should be followed. There is a need for a better knowledge and implementation of guidelines, adopting age-specific reference ranges for TSH in order to optimize the use of LT4.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis is intact in male insulin receptor substrate 4 knockout mice.

Loss of function mutations in the insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS4) gene cause a rare form of X-linked congenital central hypothyroidism in boys and men. Affected individuals show decreased thyroid-stimulation hormone (TSH) secretion. Members of the IRS family canonically act as scaffold proteins between tyrosine kinase receptors and downstream effectors. How loss of IRS4 affects TSH synthesis or secretion is unresolved. We therefore assessed IRS4's role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis of Irs4 knockout mice. We generated two global Irs4 knockout mouse lines harboring either two or four base-pair deletions that result in frameshifts and loss of most of the IRS4 protein. Under normal laboratory conditions, Irs4 knockout males did not exhibit impairments in pituitary expression of TSH subunit genes (Tshb or Cga) or in the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor. Additionally, their serum thyroid hormone, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), and hypothalamic Trh expression levels were normal. When Irs4 knockouts were rendered hypothyroid with a low-iodine diet supplemented with propylthiouracil (PTU) for 3 weeks, their serum TSH increased similarly to wild-type males. Overall, Irs4 knockout mice do not exhibit central hypothyroidism or otherwise appear to phenocopy IRS4 deficient patients. Compensation by another IRS protein may explain euthyroidism in these animals.

Effect of thyroid function on offspring neurodevelopment in people receiving ART therapy: a prospective cohort study.

Adequate maternal thyroid hormone is vital for fetal neurodevelopment. Abnormal thyroid function can cause developmental defects in offspring from spontaneous pregnancies; however, research in assisted reproduction is lacking. To investigate the association between thyroid disorders and offspring neurodevelopment from assisted reproduction. Prospective cohort study. In this prospective and longitudinal birth cohort study (Jiangsu, China), we included 729 women who had their thyroid function tested before ART cycle and delivered liveborn babies between November 2015 and June 2020. Maternal thyroid function was assessed by measuring thyroid antibodies, free thyroxine, and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone. The third edition Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development screening test (Bayley-III screening test) is used to assess the infant's neurodevelopment. In multivariate corrected linear regression analysis, infants of women with subclinical hypothyroidism demonstrated a significantly lower receptive communication score (β = -0.63, 95% CI [-1.12, -0.14], P = 0.013), with stratified analysis showing a significant association among female offspring (β = -0.87, 95% CI [-1.59, -0.15], P = 0.018) but null association among male offspring (β = -0.44, 95% CI [-1.03, 0.15], P = 0.145). No significant differences were found in assisted pregnancy population with normal thyroid function and positive antibodies according to the diagnostic cut-offs applied to normal pregnant women. Subclinical hypothyroidism in assisted pregnancies correlates with lower communication scores in 1-year-olds, especially in girls. Recommending medication for subclinical hypothyroidism throughout, regardless of thyroid autoantibody status.

Three candidate SNPs show associations with thyroid-stimulating hormone in euthyroid subjects: Tehran thyroid study.

Previous studies have shown interindividual variation in free thyroxine (FT4) serum levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in healthy persons. Genetic factors mainly determine this variation, and genome-wide association studies have increased the number of thyroid function-associated variants. The present study investigates the association of candidate variants with FT4 and TSH in a euthyroid Iranian population. A total of 2931 unrelated euthyroid subjects (FT4 10.29-21.88pmol/L; TSH 0.32-10 mIU/L, thyroid peroxidase antibody TPOAb < 33IU/mL in men and < 35IU/mL in women), with available genotypes were chosen from the Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS), to examine the impact of selected SNPs on thyroid hormone under the additive genetic model. In order to evaluate regional associations with FT4 and TSH levels, a haplotype analysis was done. We identified a strong association between the rs4338740-C allele and TSH in the adjusted model (β = -0.095, P-value = 0.0004). Also, findings indicated that rs4954192 ACMSD and rs4445669 CADM1 correlated with normal TSH levels (P-value = 0.011, P-value = 0.014, respectively). Haplotype analysis revealed that two haplotypes were significantly associated with TSH levels in euthyroid individuals. The ACGA and AC haplotypes on chromosomes 8 and 14 were significantly correlated with normal TSH levels, respectively (P-value = 0.014, P-value = 0.016). This is the first genetic association study with TSH and FT4 reference values in an Iranian population. Our findings indicate that a few gene variants associated with the reference values of TSH in other populations are also associated with the reference values of TSH in Iranians. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01383-2.

Association of Mild Iodine Insufficiency during Pregnancy with Child Neurodevelopment in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism or Hypothyroxinemia.

Our objective was to evaluate whether iodine status in pregnant patients with either subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia in the first half of pregnancy is associated with measures of behavior and neurodevelopment in children through the age of 5 years. This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter study consisting of two randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled treatment trials conducted in parallel. Patients with a singleton gestation before 20 weeks' gestation underwent thyroid screening using serum thyrotropin and free thyroxine. Participants with subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia were randomized to levothyroxine replacement or an identical placebo. At randomization, maternal urine was collected and stored for subsequent urinary iodine excretion analysis. Urinary iodine concentrations greater than 150 μg/L were considered iodine sufficient, and concentrations of 150 μg/L or less were considered iodine insufficient. The primary outcome was a full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) score at the age of 5 years, the general conceptual ability score from the Differential Ability Scales-II at the age of 3 if IQ was not available, or death before 3 years. A total of 677 pregnant participants with subclinical hypothyroidism and 526 with hypothyroxinemia were randomized. The primary outcome was available in 1,133 (94%) of children. Overall, 684 (60%) of mothers were found to have urinary iodine concentrations >150 μg/L. Children of iodine-sufficient participants with subclinical hypothyroidism had similar primary outcome scores when compared to children of iodine-insufficient participants (95 [84-105] vs. 96 [87-109], P adj = 0.73). After adjustment, there was also no difference in IQ scores among children of participants with hypothyroxinemia at 5 to 7 years of age (94 [85 - 102] and 91 [81 - 100], Padj 1/4 0.11). Treatment with levothyroxine was not associated with neurodevelopmental or behavioral outcomes regardless of maternal iodine status (p > 0.05). Maternal urinary iodine concentrations ≤150 μg/L were not associated with abnormal cognitive or behavioral outcomes in offspring of participants with either subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia. · Most pregnant patients with subclinical thyroid disease are iodine sufficient.. · Mild maternal iodine insufficiency is not associated with lower offspring IQ at 5 years.. · Iodine supplementation in subclinical thyroid disease is unlikely to improve IQ..

Role of thyroid stimulating hormone in the maintenance and functioning of the human corpus luteum.

To evaluate the impact of high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels on human granulosa-luteal (hGL) cells. hGL cells were isolated from follicular aspirates derived from patients undergoing IVF treatment without any thyroid disorder (serum TSH 0.5-2mU/L). Cells were cultured at 37°C in DMEM, supplemented with 5% FBS. The cells were treated with 1nM LH and increasing concentrations of TSH. At the end of culture, conditioned medium and cells were collected to analyze progesterone production, cell viability, and mRNA levels of genes involved in the steroidogenesis process. Human ovarian tissues were analyzed for TSH receptor (TSHR) expression by IHC. The expression of TSHR was detected in human corpus luteum by IHC and in hGL by RT-PCR. In hGL cells, TSH treatment did not modulate progesterone production nor the expression of steroidogenic genes, such as p450scc and HSD3b 1/2. However, TSH induced a dose-dependent increase in cell death. Finally, TSH did not affect LH-induced p450scc and HSD3b1/2 expression while LH partially reverted TSH negative effect on cell death in hGL. Elevated TSH levels in hypothyroid women may be associated with impaired CL functioning and maintenance. These findings open a new line of research for the importance of the treatment of women with thyroid dysfunction that could contribute to the onset of infertility.

The association between plasma thyroxine levels and neurocognitive impairment in early-onset schizophrenia and other psychosis spectrum disorders

Background/aimLimited studies have delved into the association between thyroid hormones and neurocognition in schizophrenia. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and neurocognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia and other psychosis spectrum disorders (SSD). MethodA total of 135 patients with early-onset SSD were included in the study. The participants underwent a cognitive assessment. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and free triiodothyronine (fT3). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the severity of the psychosis. FindingsThe results revealed a significant association between fT4 levels and various cognitive domains, including processing speed, verbal fluency, working memory, verbal learning, verbal memory, and visual memory. However, serum TSH and fT3 levels exhibited no significant association with neurocognitive impairment in adjusted linear regression models. Specifically, the correlation between fT4 levels and global cognition was more pronounced in patients with higher scores. ConclusionsSerum fT4 levels were associated with the performance across various cognitive domains in cases of early-onset psychotic disorders. This correlation was accentuated among patients with higher illness severity. Future studies could focus on the effects of specific pathways that can affect the course and progression of psychosis.

Thyrotropin induces atherosclerosis by upregulating large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel subunits

Hypothyroidism is associated with elevated levels of serum thyrotropin (TSH), which have been shown to promote abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the TSH-induced abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of TSH in the progression of atherosclerosis. Our research findings revealed that hypothyroidism can trigger early atherosclerotic changes in the aorta of Wistar rats. In alignment with our in vitro experiments, we observed that TSH induces abnormal proliferation of aortic smooth muscle cells by modulating the expression of α and β1 subunits of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels within these cells via the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. These results collectively indicate that TSH acts through the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway to upregulate the expression of α and β1 subunits of BKCa channels, thereby promoting abnormal proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells. These findings may provide a basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis caused by elevated TSH levels.

Higher serum free thyroxine levels are associated with increased risk of hip fractures in older men.

Overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism are associated with an increased fracture risk, but whether thyroid hormones are associated with fracture risk in individuals with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) has mostly been investigated in women. Therefore, we investigated if serum levels of free thyroxine (FT4) or TSH are associated with fracture risk in Swedish men. We followed (median 12.2yr) elderly men (n = 1825; mean age 75, range 69-81yr) participating in the Gothenburg and Malmö subcohorts of the prospective, population-based MrOS-Sweden study. The statistical analyses included Cox proportional hazards regression. Men receiving levothyroxine treatment were excluded. In our total cohort, serum FT4 (per SD increase) was associated with increased risk of major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs; n = 479; fully adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05-1.24) and hip fractures (n = 207; HR 1.18, 95% CI, 1.04-1.33). Also, in men with normal TSH (n = 1658), FT4 (per SD increase) was significantly associated with increased risk of MOF and hip fractures. Furthermore, men in the highest FT4 quartile had a 1.5-fold increase in hip fracture risk compared with men in the three lower FT4 quartiles, both in the total population and in men with normal TSH (fully adjusted: HR 1.45, 95% CI, 1.04-2.02 and HR 1.51, 95% CI, 1.07-2.12, respectively). In contrast, the risk of MOF was not statistically different in the highest FT4 quartile compared with the three lower FT4 quartiles. Finally, serum TSH was not associated with fracture risk after full adjustment for covariates. In conclusion, serum FT4, but not serum TSH, is a predictor of hip fracture risk in elderly Swedish men. Additionally, there was an association between FT4 (per SD increase) and the risk of MOF.

Antenatal screening for thyroid dysfunction: pre-term birth, low birth-weight, and growth restriction

Objective To assess pre-term birth, low birth-weight and growth restriction according to maternal thyroid screening results and subsequent treatment. Methods This is a nonintervention nested case-control study derived from 10,052 asymptomatic women previously screened during the first trimester marker with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, serum thyroid stimulating hormone, and free thyroxine. Screening results had been classified as positive with one or more markers outside the normal range and referred to an endocrinologist. Cases were 512 women with positive results and information on recommended treatment: 204 thyroxine, propylthiouracil or surgery, and 308 no treatment or only iodine. Controls were a sequential sample of 1292 women with negative results. All cases and controls had information on gestation at delivery or birth-weight. Outcome measures were pre-term birth (<37 weeks), low birth-weight (<2.5 kg) and, for singletons, small for gestational age (SGA; <10th percentile). Results Among singleton pregnancies, there was a higher prevalence of both pre-term birth (risk ratio (RR) 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–2.36, p < .002) and low birth-weight (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.13–2.62, p < .02) in cases compared with controls. An increase in low birth-weight was also present in term pregnancies, but not significant (RR 1.80, 95% CI 0.78–4.14, p = .16), and there was no difference in SGA prevalence (1.24, 95% CI 0.93–1.65, p = .14). Among cases there was no significant difference in these rates according to treatment even after logistic regression, allowing for the individual screening marker levels and maternal weight. Conclusions Women with positive thyroid screening results are at increased risk of pre-term birth regardless of thyroid dysfunction or subsequent treatment. An association with low birth-weight is probably secondary to early delivery.

Effects of altitude on thyroid disorders according to Chinese three-rung, ladder-like topography: national cross-sectional study

BackgroundChinese topography appears a three-rung ladder-like distribution of decreasing elevation from northwest to southeast, which is divided by two sloping edges. Previous studies have reported that prevalence of thyroid diseases differed by altitude, and geographical factors were associated with thyroid disorders. To explore the association between three-rung ladder-like regions and thyroid disorders according to unique Chinese topographic features, we conducted an epidemiological cross-sectional study from 2015–2017 that covered all 31 mainland Chinese provinces.MethodsA total of 78,470 participants aged ≥ 18 years from a nationally representative cross-sectional study were included. Serum thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroglobulin antibody, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels; urine iodine concentration; and thyroid volume were measured. The three-rung ladder-like distribution of decreasing elevation from northwest to southeast in China was categorized into three topographic groups according to elevation: first ladder, > 3000 m above sea level; second ladder, descending from 3000—500 m; and third ladder, descending from 500 m to sea level. The third ladder was further divided into groups A (500–100 m) and B (< 100 m). Associations between geographic factors and thyroid disorders were assessed using linear and binary logistic regression analyses.ResultsParticipants in the first ladder group were associated with lower thyroid peroxidase (β = -4.69; P = 0.00), thyroglobulin antibody levels (β = -11.08; P = 0.01), and the largest thyroid volume (β = 1.74; P = 0.00), compared with the other groups. The second ladder group was associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (odds ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [1.18–1.43]) and subclinical hypothyroidism (odds ratio = 0.61, 95%confidence interval [0.57–0.66]) (P < 0.05) compared with the first ladder group. Group A (third ladder) (500–100 m) was associated with thyroid nodules and subclinical hypothyroidism (P < 0.05). Furthermore, group B (< 100 m) was positively associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody positivity, and negatively associated with overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and goiter compared with the first ladder group(P < 0.05).ConclusionWe are the first to investigate the association between different ladder regions and thyroid disorders according to unique Chinese topographic features. The prevalence of thyroid disorders varied among the three-rung ladder-like topography groups in China, with the exception of overt hyperthyroidism.

Risk assessment of transgender people: implementation of a demasculinizing–feminizing rodent model including the evaluation of thyroid homeostasis

BackgroundIndividuals whose gender identity differs from the biological sex and the social norms are defined as transgender. Sometimes transgender undergo gender affirming hormone therapy, which lasts for the entire life making essential to evaluate its potential long-term effects. Moreover, transgender can represent a susceptible sub-group of population and specific attention is needed in risk assessment, including the development of targeted animal models. Aim of the study is the implementation of a rodent demasculinizing–feminizing model through the setting of appropriate dose of hormone therapy and the selection of specific biomarkers to evaluate the sex transition. Specific attention is paid to thyroid homeostasis due to the close link with reproductive functions. Four male adult rats/group were subcutaneously exposed to three doses plus control of β-estradiol valerate plus cyproterone acetate at: 0.045 + 0.2 (low), 0.09 + 0.2 (medium) and 0.18 + 0.2 (high) mg/dose, five times/week. The doses were selected considering the most recent recommendations for transgender woman. Sperm count, histopathological analysis (testis, liver, thyroid), testosterone, estradiol, triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels and gene expression of sex dimorphic CYP450 were evaluated.ResultsThe doses induced feminizing–demasculinizing effects: decreased testosterone serum levels at the corresponding cisgender, increased estradiol, impairment of male reproductive function and reversal of sex-specific CYP liver expression. However, the medium and high doses induced marked liver toxicity and the low dose is considered the best choice, also for long-term studies in risk assessment. The alterations of thyroid indicated follicular cell hypertrophy supported by increased thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels at the higher doses.ConclusionsThe implementation of animal models that mimic the effects of gender affirming hormone therapy is essential for supporting clinical studies in transgender people and filling data gap in order to ensure an appropriate risk assessment and a more accurate, personalized care for transgender people.

Sustained Euthyroidism during Thionamide Antithyroid Drug Treatment: Comparison of Short- and Long-term Methimazole Therapy

Background: Extended low serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with hyperthyroidism. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the time spent with sustained normal TSH concentration following short- and long-term methimazole treatment. Methods: A total of 258 patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism completed 18 - 24 months of methimazole therapy and were randomized to discontinue treatment (n = 128, short-term group) or continue an additional 36 - 102 months of methimazole therapy (n = 130, long-term group). Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed every 6 months for 132 months after randomization. Results: There was no difference in serum-free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and TSH concentrations between the 2 groups at the time of randomization. Of 128 patients in the short-term group, 5 left in follow-up, 2 became hypothyroid, 67 (54%) had a relapse of hyperthyroidism, and only 54 (44%) were euthyroid at the end of the study. Among 130 patients on the long-term methimazole therapy, 4 were left in follow-up, 24 developed hyperthyroidism, 4 developed hypothyroidism, and 98 (78%) were euthyroid 132 months post-randomization. Total time spent on euthyroidism was 90.4% ± 8.1% of the study period in the short-term and 95.8% ± 7.0% in the long-term treatment groups (P &lt; 0.001). The lowest time spent in euthyroidism (74.6% ± 6.4% of the study period) belonged to 29 (24%) patients in the short-term group under levothyroxine therapy because of fluctuation in serum TSH. Patients in both groups with hyperthyroidism relapse who chose methimazole therapy spent &gt;90% of the study time in euthyroidism. Conclusions: In patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism, sustained normal serum TSH levels were more common in the long term as compared to the short-term methimazole treatment.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone and total bile acids can predict adverse pregnancy outcome among patients with gestational hypertension.

To investigate the correlation between serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and total bile acid (TBA) levels in gestational hypertension and their combined predictive value for pregnancy outcome. A total of 194 patients with gestational hypertension (GH), treated from June 2020 to May 2022, were included in this study. The patients were divided into two subgroups based on pregnancy outcome: an adverse pregnancy outcome group (77 cases) and a normal pregnancy outcome group (117 cases). Additionally, 50 healthy pregnant women undergoing routine prenatal checkups during the same period served as the control group. In this study, serum TBA and TSH levels were measured and compared between the control and GH groups as well as between adverse pregnancy outcome and normal pregnancy outcome groups. The independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome were screened using logistic regression, and their predictive value for pregnancy outcome in patients with GH was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Serum TSH and TBA levels were significantly higher in the GH group compared to the normal group (both P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, body mass index (BMI), TSH, and TBA were independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that combined TSH and TBA for predicting adverse pregnancy outcome had an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.896, surpassing the AUCs of each individual index (0.843 for TSH and 0.765 for TBA), which indicates a stronger predictive value (P < 0.001). The combined measurement of serum TBA and TSH can serve as a valuable predictive tool for pregnancy outcome in patients with gestational hypertension.

The Predictive Value of Conventional Ultrasound Signs Plus Serological Indices for Neck Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of conventional ultrasound signs and serological indices in the detection of neck lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). A total of 80 patients with PTC scheduled for surgery in our hospital between August 2019 and December 2022 were recruited. Patients with neck lymph node metastasis were categorized as the experimental group, and patients without neck lymph node metastasis were included in the control group. Patients’ ultrasound signs were analyzed, and serological indices were determined. Logistic analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for the development of postoperative neck lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess their diagnostic efficiency. Significant differences were observed in the number of lesions, nodule size, calcification, blood flow RI, and PI values comparison between the two arms (P &lt; 0.05), while no significant differences were found in other ultrasound signs (P &gt; 0.05). Patients with neck lymph node metastasis exhibited significantly higher serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab) versus those without metastasis (P &lt; 0.05). Nodule size, number of lesions, and serum TSH level were independent risk factors for metastasis in neck lymph nodes in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (P &lt;0.05). Conventional ultrasound signs, combined with serologic indices, demonstrated the highest diagnostic efficiency for predicting neck lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. These findings showed a sensitivity of 0.868, specificity of 0.894, and an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.918. Additionally, the Jorden index was calculated to be 0.761. Analysis revealed that nodule size, number of lesions, and serum TSH concentration were independent risk factors for neck lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer patients. The combination of conventional ultrasound signs and serologic indices provided a higher diagnostic value compared to using a single diagnostic modality, thus indicating promising clinical benefits.

Comparison of fasting versus postprandial thyroid function test and growth hormone status in known subclinical hypothyroid patients based on hormonal changes in medical college and hospital, Kolkata

Background: Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine are the main thyroid hormones that play an essential role in cellular metabolism, growth, and tissue development, and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is often defined by a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level above the upper limit of the reference range (usually around 4.0 or 4.5 mIU/L, usually TSH level in between 4 and 10 mIU/mL) along with a normal free T4 (fT4) level. Previous studies undertaken in various parts of the world have shown food intake can influence the TSH level at different percentages and these studies speculated that if we measure TSH level 2 h after breakfast (9:00 am) compared with the fasting blood samples that is generally collected in the morning (7:00 am), the TSH level is significantly reduced by about 30%, and this significant difference created reasonable doubt in the diagnosis of SCH. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the difference in serum TSH, fT4, leptin, cortisol, insulin, adiponectin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) between fasting and post-prandial blood samples in known subclinical hypothyroid patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, non-interventional study was done on 50 diagnosed subclinical hypothyroid patients after screening them through the inclusion–exclusion criteria. The estimations were done by chemiluminescence immunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, statistical analysis was done using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences. Results: After analysis of blood samples, it showed that the serum TSH decreased progressively after food intake for almost 2 h, the level of decrease is statistically significant (from 7.38 ± 1.22 mIU/mL to 5.9 ± 1.03 mIU/mL) (P &lt; 0.001). Serum fT4 level remained almost unchanged after food intake. Conclusion: As per previous and our study a possible explanation of this post-prandial fall of TSH can be that food consumption causes an alteration in circulating glucose levels, insulin, leptin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (cholecystokinin and GLP-1), and cortisol. Growth hormone (GH) and somatostatin levels also suppress TSH secretion from the pituitary. As both over- and under-treatment with eltroxin can be detrimental for subclinical hypothyroid children and pregnant women, so further studies with larger sample sizes and somatostatin and GH estimation should be done to authenticate the findings of this study.

Overall, sex-and race/ethnicity-specific prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in US adolescents aged 12-18 years.

Thyroid dysfunction significantly affects the health and development of adolescents. However, comprehensive studies on its prevalence and characteristics in US adolescents are lacking. We investigated the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in US adolescents aged 12-18 years using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2002 and 2007-2012 cycles. Thyroid dysfunction was assessed using serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) measurements. We analyzed the prevalence across demographic subgroups and identified associated risk factors. The study included 2,182 participants, representing an estimated 12.97 million adolescents. The group had a weighted mean age of 15.1 ± 0.06 years, with males constituting 51.4%. Subclinical hyperthyroidism emerged as the most prevalent thyroid dysfunction, affecting 4.4% of the population. From 2001-2002 to 2011-2012, subclinical hyperthyroidism remained consistent at 4.99% vs. 5.13% in the overall cohort. Subclinical and overt hypothyroidism was found in 0.41 and 1.03% of adolescents respectively, and overt hyperthyroidism was rare (0.04%). The prevalence of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) positivity in the overall population were 5.8 and 9.8%, respectively. Positivity for TgAb was risk factors for hypothyroidism, while older age, female and Black Americans were risk factors for hyperthyroidism. Female adolescents and adolescents with an older age were more likely to be positive for TPOAb and TgAb, while Black and Mexican Americans had a lower risk of TPOAb and TgAb positivity. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was the most common form of thyroid dysfunction, and its prevalence remained stable from 2001-2002 to 2011-2012. Notable disparities in the prevalence of hyperthyroidism and antibody positivity were observed among different age, sex and racial/ethnic groups.

Impact of Thyroid Status on Incident Kidney Dysfunction and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in a Nationally Representative Cohort

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between thyroid status and incident kidney dysfunction/chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Patients and MethodsWe examined incident thyroid status, ascertained by serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels measured from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2018, among 4,152,830 patients from the Optum Labs Data Warehouse, containing deidentified retrospective administrative claims data from a large national health insurance plan and electronic health record data from a nationwide network of provider groups. Associations of thyroid status, categorized as hypothyroidism, euthyroidism, or hyperthyroidism (TSH levels >5.0, 0.5-5.0, and <0.5 mIU/L, respectively), with the composite end point of incident kidney dysfunction in patients without baseline kidney dysfunction and CKD progression in those with baseline CKD were examined using Cox models. ResultsPatients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism had higher risk of incident kidney dysfunction/CKD progression in expanded case-mix analyses (reference: euthyroidism): adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) (95% CIs) were 1.37 (1.34 to 1.40) and 1.42 (1.39 to 1.45), respectively. Incrementally higher TSH levels in the upper reference range and TSH ranges for subclinical, mild overt, and overt hypothyroidism (≥3.0-5.0, >5.0-10.0, >10.0-20.0, and >20.0 mIU/L, respectively) were associated with increasingly higher risk of the composite end point (reference: TSH level, 0.5 to <3.0 mIU/L): aHRs (95% CIs) were 1.10 (1.09 to 1.11), 1.37 (1.34 to 1.40), 1.70 (1.59 to 1.83), and 1.70 (1.50 to 1.93), respectively. Incrementally lower TSH levels in the subclinical (<0.5 mIU/L) and overt (<0.1 mIU/L) hyperthyroid ranges were also associated with the composite end point: aHRs (95% CIs) were 1.44 (1.41 to 1.47) and 1.48 (1.39 to 1.59), respectively. ConclusionIn a national cohort, TSH levels in the upper reference range or higher (≥3.0 mIU/L) and below the reference range (<0.5 mIU/L) were associated with incident kidney dysfunction/CKD progression.

Evaluation of the relationship of digital phototrichogram findings of patients with diffuse hair loss with blood TSH, ferritin and vitamin B12 levels.

Telogen effluvium (TE) is a type of alopecia that is frequently seen in women. Among factors resulting in hair loss, many reasons such as endocrine diseases, nutrition disorders, stress, anemia, low ferritin levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, and thyroid diseases are found. A digital phototrichogram is one of the non-invasive methods of diagnosis in the evaluation of alopecia. In this study, it was aimed to compare biochemical parameters of female patients with diffuse hair loss with phototrichogram findings. 108 female patients with diffuse hair loss were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: acute and chronic TE, and a hair pull test was applied. Total blood count, blood biochemistry, iron, iron binding capacity, ferritin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), sT3, sT4, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels were examined. The telogen/anagen ratios and hair densities of patients were determined with a phototrichogram. The serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine), TSH, sT3, sT4, and folic acid levels of patients were within normal limits. Telogen ratio, anagen ratio, hair density, number of shed hairs, family history, blood ferritin, TSH, and vitamin B12 levels were found to be similar between groups having acute and chronic TE. In our study, while mean anagen and telogen ratios with trichoscan were similar to literature data, no statistically significant correlation was determined between patients' ages and examined trichoscan findings (p>0.05). The hair pull test positivity of patients with chronic TE was higher compared to patients with acute TE (p<0.05). In patients with positive hair pull tests, the telogen ratio and hair density were found to be higher. In the group with <40 ng/mL ferritin level, the mean telogen ratio was detected to be significantly higher than the mean anagen ratio (p<0.05). No significant correlation was determined between vitamin B12 and TSH levels in patients and phototrichogram findings (p>0.05). The findings of this study showed that ferritin has an important role in diffuse hair loss, and the phototrichogram method is an auxiliary method for the physician in the diagnosis of TE.