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Thyroid function is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in euthyroid subjects
Yang Tao1, Hongbing Gu, Jingcheng Wu
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang , P. R. China and.
Endocrine Research
|October 21, 2014
Summary
Thyroid function, specifically thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels, is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the general population. These thyroid markers are independent risk factors for NAFLD, even within normal ranges.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing public health concern.
- Thyroid dysfunction is known to affect various metabolic processes.
- The relationship between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and NAFLD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between normal thyroid function and NAFLD in euthyroid individuals.
- To determine if thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels are associated with NAFLD prevalence.
- To identify thyroid function as a potential independent risk factor for NAFLD.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 739 euthyroid subjects.
- NAFLD diagnosed via ultrasound in individuals without excessive alcohol consumption or other liver diseases.
- Serum levels of TSH, FT4, FT3, and other biochemical parameters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 26.5% of subjects had NAFLD.
- NAFLD patients exhibited higher TSH and lower FT4 levels compared to controls (p < 0.01).
- TSH and FT4 were identified as independent risk factors for NAFLD (OR=2.21 for TSH, OR=0.39 for FT4).
Conclusions:
- Serum TSH and FT4 levels, even within the normal reference range, are associated with NAFLD.
- Thyroid function parameters are independent risk factors for NAFLD in the general population.
- These findings highlight the importance of thyroid function assessment in NAFLD patients.
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