Serum Spot 14 concentration is negatively associated with thyroid-stimulating hormone level

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Spot 14 (S14) protein is implicated in fatty acid synthesis and induced by thyroid hormone in rats.
• The presence and thyroid function-related changes of S14 in human serum remain uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare serum S14 concentrations in hyperthyroid and euthyroid patients.
• To evaluate the association between serum S14 levels and thyroid function markers (free thyroxine and TSH).

Main Methods:

• Development of a human serum S14 immunoassay (ELISA).
• Comparison of serum S14 levels between 26 hyperthyroid and 29 euthyroid individuals.
• Analysis of associations between S14, fT4, and TSH using regression models.

Main Results:

• Hyperthyroid patients exhibited significantly higher serum S14 levels than euthyroid subjects.
• Serum S14 levels positively correlated with free thyroxine (fT4) and negatively with TSH, cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine.
• These associations, particularly the negative correlation with TSH, were more prominent in females and persisted after adjusting for age and sex.

Conclusions:

• An ELISA for human serum S14 was successfully developed.
• Elevated serum S14 levels are associated with hyperthyroidism, especially in females.
• Serum S14 levels show a significant negative association with TSH, warranting further investigation across the entire thyroid function spectrum.