The relationships between selected serum adipokines and thyroid function in patients with obesity

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism.
• Adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, are key mediators in obesity and metabolic disorders.
• The interplay between thyroid function, adipokines, and obesity requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of thyroid function on serum adipokine levels in obese individuals.
• To examine the relationship between the thyroid axis (TSH) and serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin.
• To assess the influence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) on these thyroid-adipokine relationships.

Main Methods:

• 181 euthyroid obese patients (BMI 30-65 years) were analyzed.
• Patients were stratified by BMI and TSH tertiles.
• Subgroup analysis included patients with and without autoimmune thyroiditis.

Main Results:

• Higher TSH levels correlated with increased leptin, chemerin, and thyroid antibodies.
• The leptin/adiponectin ratio was elevated in individuals with high normal TSH.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis did not significantly alter adipokine levels or the leptin/adiponectin ratio.

Conclusions:

• Elevated TSH is associated with increased leptin and chemerin in obese patients.
• Adipokine levels are not directly influenced by the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Complex interplays exist between TSH, adipokines, and obesity, warranting further investigation.