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Homocysteine, folate, and cobalamin levels in hyperthyroid women before and after treatment

Anna Orzechowska-Pawilojc1, Małgorzata Siekierska-Hellmann, Anhelli Syrenicz

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University, Gdansk, Poland.

Endokrynologia Polska
|December 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hyperthyroidism is linked to lower homocysteine levels, potentially due to thyroid hormone influence. Folate levels are higher in hyperthyroid patients but only partially explain these homocysteine changes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease and venous thrombosis.
  • Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, is associated with elevated homocysteine levels.
  • The relationship between hyperthyroidism and homocysteine levels requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels in hyperthyroid patients.
  • To identify determinants of tHcy, including folate and cobalamin, in hyperthyroidism.
  • To assess changes in tHcy and its determinants before and after treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 30 hyperthyroid and 30 healthy premenopausal women.
  • Measurement of homocysteine, folate, cobalamin, TSH, fT4, fT3, and renal function.
  • Comparison of parameters in hyperthyroid patients in untreated and euthyroid states post-treatment.

Main Results:

  • Hyperthyroid patients exhibited lower tHcy levels compared to controls.
  • Higher serum folate and lower serum cobalamin were observed in the hyperthyroid state.
  • Antithyroid treatment led to a significant increase in tHcy and a decrease in folate; cobalamin remained unchanged.
  • tHcy negatively correlated with free triiodothyronine (fT3) in hyperthyroid patients.

Conclusions:

  • Lower homocysteine levels in hyperthyroidism are likely influenced by thyroid hormones.
  • Elevated folate levels contribute partially to the observed lower homocysteine in hyperthyroid individuals.
  • Thyroid status significantly impacts homocysteine metabolism.
Abstract

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