Glomerular hyperfiltration and increased peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormones in youth with overweight or...

Glomerular hyperfiltration (GHF) is considered an early manifestation of obesity-related glomerulopathy. While reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) correlates with thyroid hormone (THs) sensitivity, its relationship with hyperfiltration remains unexplored. To evaluate the association between sensitivity to THs and GHF in youths with overweight (OW) or obesity (OB).

In this cross-sectional study, 654 youths with OW/OB (aged 6-18years), with eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m², and with normal THs were included. eGFR was calculated using full age spectrum equation. GHF was defined both as eGFR >120 mL/min/1.73 m² and by considering a reference based on the age range of our population, specifically eGFR >135 mL/min/1.73 m². The fT3/fT4 ratio was evaluated to assess peripheral sensitivity, while TSH index (TSHI), Thyrotroph T4 Resistance Index (TT4RI), Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (TFQI) and Parametric TFQI were calculated to assess central sensitivity. Pulse pressure (PP) was also calculated. Youth with GHF defined by eGFR>120 mL/min/1.73m2 (n = 203, 31%) had significantly higher values of fT3/fT4 ratio (p = 0.004), fasting glucose (p < 0.0001) and PP (p = 0.047) compared to those with normal eGFR. Odds ratio of GHF increase of 11.6-fold for each 1-unit increase in fT3/fT4 ratio (p = 0.004), 1.04-fold for each 1-unit increase in glucose (p < 0.0001) and 1 mmHg of PP (p = 0.043). These findings were confirmed for both the fT3/fT4 ratio and fasting glucose when applying the GHF cutoff of 135 mL/min/1.73 m².

In youths with OW/OB, GHF is associated with increased peripheral TH sensitivity, higher glucose, and PP, suggesting a potential adaptive (allostatic) mechanism.