Low normal thyroid function enhances plasma cholesteryl ester transfer in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) is elevated in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
• Low-normal thyroid function may impact lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis.
• The relationship between CET and thyroid function in T2DM is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma CET and thyroid function in euthyroid T2DM and non-diabetic individuals.
• To determine if thyroid function influences CET levels in the context of diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Main Methods:

• Measured plasma CET, TSH, and free thyroxine in 74 T2DM and 82 non-diabetic subjects within the normal thyroid range.
• Utilized univariate and multiple linear regression analyses to assess relationships and interactions.

Main Results:

• Plasma CET was 20% higher in T2DM patients, associated with increased CETP mass and triglycerides.
• Plasma CET positively correlated with TSH in T2DM subjects (P=0.004).
• A significant interaction between T2DM and TSH on plasma CET was observed, further modified by glucose, HbA1c, and triglycerides.

Conclusions:

• Elevated TSH within the normal range is associated with increased plasma CET in T2DM, particularly in those with hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
• Low-normal thyroid function may exacerbate atherosclerosis risk in T2DM by affecting the cholesteryl ester transfer process.
• Thyroid function represents a potential modifiable factor influencing cardiovascular risk in T2DM.