Inflammatory markers as prognosticators of cardiovascular dysfunction in hypothyroid patients

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by reduced circulating levels of thyroid hormones, T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (tetra-iodothyronine) which are produced by the thyroid gland, and increased levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary (1). The cardiovascular system is among the main targets of thyroid hormones (2), therefore, most descriptive signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders are due to their effects on the cardiovascular system (3). Direct actions of altered thyroid hormones on heart and indirect impacts through inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Homocysteine (Hcy), are of great health concern. Particularly, CRP is a renowned biomarker to measure cardiovascular risks in both healthy as well as diseased subjects (4). Moreover, IL-6 is a chief mediator of tissue injury and infection, perpetuating lymphocyte infiltration in thyroid, manifesting its inflammation (5). Additionally, Hcy, having an atherogenic nature, stimulates inflammatory chemokine production and induces oxidative stress by lowering serum anti-oxidants (6). Hence, inflammatory markers may reveal the mechanism of disease progression, and can be used as a possible tool for predicting atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events (7). The aim of the present study was to assess the risk of cardiovascular dysfunctions in hypothyroid patients through predictive inflammatory markers.