Thyroid Function Assessment in Saudi Males with Metabolic Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
• Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating energy balance, lipid, and glucose metabolism, influencing MetS components.
• Gender-specific differences exist in the risk ratios for MetS and associated conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate thyroid function in a Saudi population diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
• To evaluate the predictive value of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) for MetS risk.

Main Methods:

• The study included 200 Saudi Arabian males, with 100 diagnosed with MetS and 100 controls.
• Participants underwent physical examinations, anthropometric measurements (including BMI and waist circumference), and blood pressure assessment.
• Biochemical markers such as TSH, FT3, FT4, lipids (TC, TG, HDL, LDL), fasting glucose, and fasting insulin were measured.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in physical, anthropometric, and biochemical markers between the MetS and control groups.
• Thyroid dysfunction (TD) was found to be closely associated with MetS, correlating with distinct physical, anthropometric, and metabolic characteristics.
• Hypothyroidism emerged as a primary risk factor contributing to TD in individuals with MetS.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid dysfunction is a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome in the studied Saudi male population.
• These findings support the clinical importance of assessing thyroid function in patients with MetS for improved diagnosis and management.
• Understanding the link between TD and MetS can aid in the prevention and treatment of associated cardiovascular disease (CVD).