Bidirectional negative relationship between thyrotropin and kidney function during alcohol intoxication in males.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nephrology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Alcohol has direct renal toxicity but may beneficially affect kidney function parameters.
• Thyroid hormones influence kidney function, and alcohol affects thyroid status, suggesting a potential interaction.
• The relationship between alcohol, thyroid function, and kidney health requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the hypothesis that alcohol's positive effect on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is mediated by its impact on thyroid hormones.
• To investigate the interaction between alcohol consumption, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and eGFR in hospitalized patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 767 adult patients without thyroid disorders.
• Collected data included blood alcohol concentration (BAC), serum TSH, and serum creatinine.
• Calculated eGFR using MDRD II and CKD-EPI equations.

Main Results:

• In males only, BAC positively correlated with eGFR (CKD-EPI) and negatively with TSH.
• Path analysis indicated a significant positive impact of BAC on eGFR in males after accounting for covariates and the bidirectional effect between TSH and eGFR.
• No significant associations were found in females.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol consumption appears to have a beneficial effect on kidney function in males, mediated partly through thyroid hormone levels.
• The findings highlight a complex interplay between alcohol, thyroid function, and renal health, particularly in males.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these interactions.