Thyroid gland dysfunction and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in keratoconus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Genetics

Background:

• Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye condition.
• The roles of thyroid hormones and vitamin D in KC pathogenesis are not fully understood.
• Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms may influence KC susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess serum thyroid hormone and vitamin D levels in KC patients.
• To investigate VDR gene polymorphisms (Taq I, Apa I, Bsm I) in KC.
• To determine the association between vitamin D deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and KC.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study comparing 177 KC patients with 85 controls.
• Measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D using ELISA.
• VDR polymorphisms analyzed via PCR-RFLP.

Main Results:

• KC patients showed increased thyroid disorders (P=0.04) and decreased vitamin D (P<0.001).
• Taq I (tt genotype) VDR polymorphism was significantly associated with KC (P<0.001).
• Hypothyroidism, insufficient, and deficient vitamin D were significant risk factors for KC (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Thyroid dysfunction and vitamin D deficiency are potential contributors to KC.
• VDR gene variations warrant further investigation for KC identification and understanding.