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CYP24A1 Overexpression and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Potential Prognostic Axis in Thyroid Nodules Classified by the
Rijuneeta Gupta1, Nivedhan Ravichandran1, Anant Basotia1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Introduction:
Vitamin D, crucial for calcium balance and bone health, also regulates the cell cycle and has anti-tumour properties. Given the rising incidence of thyroid cancer, this study investigates the association between preoperative vitamin D levels and CYP24A1 mRNA expression in thyroid nodules (TNs) classified by the Bethesda system.
Methods:
A prospective observational study included 40 adults with TNs. Exclusion criteria applied. Clinical evaluation involved blood tests, thyroid ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration cytology, and histopathology. Serum vitamin D, calcium, and CYP24A1 mRNA expression were analysed for correlations.
Results:
Participants had a mean age of 37.3 years; 75% were female. Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) identified suspicious nodules. Most patients (95%) had normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, but 52.5% showed vitamin D deficiency, and 47.5% had low calcium levels. CYP24A1 mRNA expression was elevated, especially in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Positive correlations were found between vitamin D, calcium, and CYP24A1 expression.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the role of vitamin D deficiency and elevated CYP24A1 expression in TNs, particularly PTC. TIRADS and Bethesda classifications remain valuable diagnostic tools. CYP24A1 may serve as a prognostic marker or therapeutic target, suggesting the need for further research into vitamin D pathways in thyroid disease.
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