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Reduced thyroid volume and nodularity in dyslipidaemic patients on statin treatment

Carlo Cappelli1, Maurizio Castellano, Ilenia Pirola

  • 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology Unit, University Medical School, Brescia, Italy. cappelli@med.unibs.it

Clinical Endocrinology
|August 2, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Long-term statin use was associated with a significantly lower prevalence, number, and volume of thyroid nodules. These findings suggest statins may have antiproliferative effects on thyroid cells in vivo.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on the antiproliferative effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) on the thyroid gland.
  • Hypothesized that in vitro antiproliferative effects of statins on thyroid cells may translate to clinical observations in patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between long-term statin treatment and the prevalence and characteristics of thyroid nodules.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of 135 dyslipidemic patients on statins for ≥5 years and 137 controls.
  • Thyroid ultrasound performed to assess nodule prevalence, number, and volume.

Main Results:

  • Statin users had significantly lower thyroid nodule prevalence (36.3% vs. 67.9%, P < 0.001).
  • Reduced nodule number and total volume were observed in the statin group.
  • Statin treatment was an independent predictor of reduced thyroid nodule presence (OR 0.312, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • First evidence suggesting a link between HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor treatment and fewer, smaller thyroid nodules.
  • Potential antiproliferative and/or pro-apoptotic effects of statins on thyroid cells in vivo may explain the findings.

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