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Homocysteine concentrations in subclinical hypothyroidism
Erkan Sengül1, Berrin Cetinarslan, Ilhan Tarkun
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kocaeli University, Izmit, Turkey.
Endocrine Research
|November 24, 2004
Summary
Subclinical hypothyroidism is linked to higher homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease. L-thyroxine treatment significantly reduced these levels in women with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease.
- Overt hypothyroidism is known to cause mild hyperhomocysteinemia.
- The impact of subclinical hypothyroidism on homocysteine levels remains uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate homocysteine levels in women with subclinical hypothyroidism.
- To assess the effect of L-thyroxine treatment on homocysteine levels in these patients.
Main Methods:
- 33 women with subclinical hypothyroidism (without clinical CAD) were studied.
- Homocysteine levels were measured before and after L-thyroxine treatment to achieve euthyroidism.
- The patient group was compared to 25 age-matched healthy female controls.
Main Results:
- Homocysteine levels were significantly higher in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism compared to controls (P < 0.001).
- L-thyroxine treatment led to a significant reduction in homocysteine levels.
- Despite being in the normal range, homocysteine levels were significantly different between patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with elevated homocysteine levels.
- L-thyroxine therapy effectively reduces homocysteine levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
- Managing subclinical hypothyroidism may help mitigate cardiovascular risk associated with hyperhomocysteinemia.