Association between impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormones and sedentary behavior: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sedentary behavior is a growing public health concern associated with numerous chronic diseases.
• Thyroid hormone sensitivity plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation.
• The interplay between sedentary time and thyroid hormone sensitivity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sedentary time and thyroid hormone sensitivity.
• To explore potential mediating and moderating factors in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2007-2012).
• Utilized LASSO regression and Boruta algorithm for confounder screening.
• Employed multivariate linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves to analyze associations and non-linear relationships.
• Conducted subgroup and interaction analyses to explore differential effects.

Main Results:

• Identified 22 significant confounding factors, with body mass index (BMI) being central and partially mediating the association.
• Found a significant linear association between sedentary time and thyroid hormone sensitivity (PTFQI) in men (P=0.002).
• Observed a non-significant, inverted U-shaped association in women.
• Revealed a significant interaction effect of race on the association (P=0.004).

Conclusions:

• Sedentary time is positively associated with impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity in men, partially mediated by BMI.
• The relationship between sedentary time and thyroid hormone sensitivity differs by sex and is significantly moderated by race.