GDF15 in Patients with Autoimmune Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Research
• Stress Response Biology

Background:

• Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress-response protein implicated in weight regulation.
• GDF15 levels rise during glucocorticoid deficiency, a condition relevant to primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI).
• Factors influencing GDF15 levels in PAI patients require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare serum GDF15 levels between patients with autoimmune PAI and healthy controls.
• To investigate the associations between GDF15 levels and clinical parameters in PAI patients.

Main Methods:

• Serum GDF15 levels were measured in 37 patients with autoimmune PAI and 47 healthy controls.
• Anthropometrical, hormonal, and biochemical parameters were assessed in all participants.
• Statistical analyses were performed to compare groups and identify correlations.

Main Results:

• Patients with PAI exhibited significantly higher GDF15 levels than controls (1276.8 ± 952.1 vs. 682.8 ± 270.2 pg/mL, p < 0.001).
• GDF15 levels positively correlated with age in both groups.
• In PAI patients, GDF15 correlated positively with disease duration, autoimmune thyroid disease duration, gonadotropin levels, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage.
• GDF15 showed negative correlations with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone levels in PAI patients.

Conclusions:

• Circulating GDF15 levels are elevated in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency compared to healthy individuals.
• GDF15 levels in PAI are associated with disease duration and markers of autoimmune processes.
• These findings suggest a potential role for GDF15 in the pathophysiology or clinical presentation of PAI.