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Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) immunoreactivity and thyroid function in obesity
L Duntas1, H Hauner, J Rosenthal
1Abteilung Innere Medizin I, Universitt Ulm, Germany.
International Journal of Obesity
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Obesity does not impair thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) levels or the thyrotropin (TSH) response to TRH stimulation. This study found no increased risk of overt hypothyroidism in overweight individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Thyroid Research
Background:
- Obesity is a complex metabolic condition.
- Thyroid function is crucial for metabolic regulation.
- Previous research on thyroid function in obesity has yielded mixed results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circulating thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) levels in overweight individuals.
- To assess the thyrotropin (TSH) response to TRH stimulation in obese subjects.
- To determine thyroid hormone concentrations and the incidence of hypothyroidism in obesity.
Main Methods:
- Compared TRH-immunoreactive levels, TSH response to TRH stimulation, and thyroid hormone concentrations in 43 overweight and 46 normal-weight subjects.
- Utilized a highly specific radioimmunoassay for TRH measurement.
- Analyzed correlations between obesity degree and thyroid parameters.
Main Results:
- Circulating TRH levels were similar between overweight and normal-weight groups.
- The TSH response pattern to TRH stimulation was normal in obese individuals, with no significant difference in peak TSH values compared to controls.
- No correlations were found between obesity severity and TRH, TSH, or peripheral thyroid hormone levels.
- Three obese patients exhibited signs of latent hypothyroidism.
Conclusions:
- Obesity does not impair the TSH response to intravenous TRH.
- Circulating TRH levels are not significantly altered in obesity.
- The incidence of overt hypothyroidism is not increased in overweight individuals, though latent hypothyroidism may occur.