Relationship between thyroid nodule, prolactin, and thyroid peroxidase antibody levels: A case-control study

Thyroid nodules are a significant clinical concern due to their potential for malignancy. Research suggests prolactin, a known mitogen, may contribute to cancer development, and elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) levels are linked to increased thyroid nodularity in hyperprolactinemia. This study investigates the relationship between serum prolactin levels, thyroid nodularity, and TPO-Ab presence.

Ninety patients were divided into three groups of 30: a control group without nodules, and two case groups with nodules (one TPO-Ab positive, one TPO-Ab negative). Serum prolactin, TPO-Ab, thyroid stimulating hormone, T4, and thyroid ultrasound data were analyzed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

The mean age of the participants was 46.07±12.40 years, with 16 (17.8%) males and 74 (82.2%) females. Serum TSH, prolactin, and TPO-Ab levels were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P=0.041, 0.050, and 0.000, respectively). The case group had more instances of hyperprolactinemia than the control group (35% vs. 13.3%) (OR = 3.5, CI 95% = 1.08-11.38, P=0.031). Furthermore, the TPO-Ab positive group demonstrated greater solidity than the TPO-Ab negative group (93.3% vs 73.3%, P=0.038).

Our study revealed a positive correlation between thyroid nodules and increased serum TSH, prolactin, and TPO-Ab levels. Furthermore, we discovered that TPO-Ab positive nodules exhibit greater solidity and elevated TSH levels.