Serum Vaspin Levels in Hypothyroid Patients

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the link between TSH and obesity, the relationship between TSH and adipocytokines were previously studied. Animal studies demonstrated a possible relationship between vaspin levels and thyroid functions. In this study, we aimed to investigate vaspin levels in hypothyroid states and its relationship with insulin resistance parameters in humans. Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: We enrolled 27 overt hypothyroid, 33 subclinical hypothyroid and 41 euthyroid patients. We measured the body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, TSH, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine and vaspin levels. The change in vaspin levels in 12 overt hypothyroid patients after establishment of euthyroidism was analysed. Results: All groups were age-matched. Overt hypothyroid group had higher BMI values (P<0.05) than other groups. No significant difference was observed in insulin levels and HOMA-IR among the groups (P>0.05). Adjusted vaspin levels for BMI and age were similar among the groups. Mean vaspin levels in overt, subclinical and euthyroid patients were 1.20 +/- 1.17, 1.48 +/- 0.93 and 0.95 +/- 0.75 ng/ml respectively (P>0.05). There was no significant association between vaspin levels and BMI, fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR (P>0.05). Establishing euthyroidism in hypothyroid patients did not result in a significant change in vaspin levels (before and after treatment, 1.35 +/- 1.06 and 1.25 +/- 0.68 ng/ml, respectively; P>0.05). Conclusion: We herein present novel data indicating vaspin levels are neither altered in overt and subclinical hypothyroidism nor have a relationship with features of insulin resistance in hypothyroid patients.