Mechanism of subclinical hypothyroidism accelerating endothelial dysfunction (Review)

The association between subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and cardiovascular disease has received increasing attention in recent years. The predisposition of patients with SH to endothelial dysfunction, an early sign of atherosclerosis, has been observed. This predisposition may be partially explained by the factors also found in patients with SH, including changes in lipid profile, low grade chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. The proportional risks of endothelial dysfunction to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) also indicate that the action of TSH on extra thyroidal-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is a possible mechanism underlying the correlation, which has later been supported by the associated basic studies. L-thyroxine replacement therapy appears to improve the aforementioned aspects, whereas there remain certain controversies, particularly for the elderly. Thus, more study data are required to confirm the benefit of L-thyroxine treatment for patients with SH.