Insulin resistance and hypothyroidism: a complex relationship in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

An association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with insulin resistant metabolic syndrome and hypothyroidism has been suggested. Aim of the present study was to explore the above association and also to establish the correlation between hypothyroidism and insulin resistance in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Study group comprised 40 cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and 30 healthy controls. Serum samples were analysed for fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile and thyroid hormones. Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostatic model of assessment calculation. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients demonstrated significantly higher insulin resistance, TSH values and significantly lower FT4 values as compared to controls, which illustrates the prevalence of insulin resistance and hypothyroidism in patients. A significant positive correlation between TSH and Insulin resistance (r = 0.87, p < 0.001) and a significant negative correlation between FT4 and insulin resistance (r = -0.14, p < 0.001) were established in the cases. Moreover TSH was significantly related to low density lipoprotein cholesterol, independent of insulin resistance. There have been some doubts over the clinical correlation between insulin resistance and hypothyroidism to delineate increased risk of cardiovascular disease. So earlier detection and treatment of risk factors may have a significant impact on progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.