Association of serum proprotein convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) level with thyroid function disorders

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Research
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism.
• Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
• The relationship between thyroid function and PCSK9 levels remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between thyroid function status and serum PCSK9 levels.
• To determine how thyroid hormones influence lipid metabolism through PCSK9.
• To compare PCSK9 levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 124 patients (18-65 years) with thyroid disorders was studied.
• Participants were categorized into three groups: subclinical hypothyroidism (n=52), overt hypothyroidism (n=40), and hyperthyroidism (n=32).
• Measurements included thyroid hormones (TSH, fT3, fT4), lipid profiles, fasting glucose, autoantibodies, and PCSK9 levels.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in age, gender, or BMI were observed across the groups.
• Median PCSK9 levels were significantly lower in the hyperthyroidism group (9.775 ng/mL) compared to subclinical (14.55 ng/mL) and overt hypothyroidism (14.895 ng/mL) groups (p <0.0001).
• A positive correlation was found between PCSK9 and TSH levels (r=0.211, p=0.019), and negative correlations with fT3 (r=-0.239, p=0.009) and fT4 (r=-0.218, p=0.015).

Conclusions:

• Serum PCSK9 levels are significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction.
• Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, may lead to elevated PCSK9 levels, potentially impacting lipid metabolism.
• No association was found between PCSK9 levels and thyroid autoantibody positivity or obesity.