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Endothelial progenitor cells in subclinical hypothyroidism: the effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy

S K Abdul Shakoor1, Ali Aldibbiat, Lorna E Ingoe

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead NE9 6SX, United Kingdom.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is linked to reduced endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), a novel cardiovascular risk marker. Treatment with thyroxine (T4) therapy normalized EPC counts, suggesting improved cardiovascular risk in SCH patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and potentially cardiovascular disease, though its management is debated.
  • Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which express endothelial and stem cell markers, serve as a novel cardiovascular risk marker.
  • Understanding the role of EPCs in SCH is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if EPC count or function is diminished in individuals with SCH.
  • To investigate whether T4 therapy improves EPC count or function in SCH patients.
  • To explore the relationship between EPCs and cardiovascular risk factors in SCH.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood EPCs were analyzed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and in vitro cultures.
  • EPC counts and function were assessed before and after T4 therapy in 20 SCH patients and healthy controls (HC).
  • Cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated alongside EPC measurements.

Main Results:

  • EPC count was significantly lower in SCH patients compared to HC (CD133+/VEGFR-2+ and CD34+/VEGFR-2+).
  • EPC function was comparable between SCH and HC groups.
  • EPC count positively correlated with free T4 and HDL cholesterol, and negatively with TSH.
  • After T4 therapy, EPC counts in SCH patients increased to levels similar to HC, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with a reduced count of endothelial progenitor cells.
  • Thyroxine (T4) replacement therapy effectively increased EPC counts in SCH patients to normal levels.
  • These findings provide additional evidence that T4 therapy may mitigate cardiovascular risk in individuals with SCH.
Abstract

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