Altered vaspin levels in hypothyroid patients: A potential marker of metabolic dysregulation

This study investigates alterations in vaspin levels in hypothyroid patients and their role in metabolic processes and thyroid function. By analyzing the correlation between vaspin levels and hypothyroidism, the research aims to elucidate metabolic dysregulation in thyroid disorders and the potential link between thyroid hormones and adipose tissue function. This study included patients with hypothyroidism and healthy controls. Comprehensive data and laboratory findings were collected from hospital electronic health records. Vaspin levels were analyzed to explore the association with hypothyroidism. The Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. The study included 90 participants: 54 in the hypothyroid group and 36 in the control group. The hypothyroid group had a significantly higher age (49.04 ± 11.89 vs 43.53 ± 9.76 years, P = .019). Thyroid function tests showed substantially higher thyroid-stimulating hormone and lower fT4 levels in the hypothyroid group, confirming impaired thyroid function. Notably, vaspin levels were significantly lower in the hypothyroid group than in the control group (2.24 ng/mL vs 3.51 ng/mL, P = .008). This finding suggests that hypothyroidism may lead to altered adipokine regulation, potentially contributing to metabolic dysfunction. No significant differences were observed between the groups for lipid profile, glucose metabolism, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), hematological, or liver enzymes. This study found lower vaspin levels in hypothyroid patients, which may be related to metabolic dysregulation. Vaspin could serve as a therapeutic target for addressing metabolic disturbances in hypothyroidism. Further research is needed to explore its clinical implications.