Altered visfatin and adiponectin levels and their interaction with HEGF in the metabolic dyslipidemia of overt hypothyroidism: A case-control study
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Abstract
Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder associated with significant metabolic dysregulation, including dyslipidemia. Adipokines such as visfatin and adiponectin are key regulators of metabolism, but their specific roles and potential as markers of metabolic dysfunction in overt, treatment-naive hypothyroidism require further elucidation.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association of visfatin and adiponectin levels with hypothyroidism, assess their potential utility for metabolic risk assessment, and explore their associations with metabolic parameters and human epidermal growth factor (HEGF).
Materials and methods: This case-control study included 71 hypothyroid patients and 67 frequency-matched euthyroid controls. All patients were newly diagnosed and therapy‑naive. Serum levels of adipokines (visfatin, adiponectin), HEGF, thyroid hormones, and lipids were assessed. Statistical analyses included ROC curves, Spearman’s correlation, multivariate regression, and ANCOVA to adjust for BMI and age.
Results: After adjusting for BMI and age, hypothyroid patients had significantly lower visfatin (adjusted LS mean: 11.04±1.56 vs 19.36±1.59 ng/mL, p<0.001) and adiponectin (10.77±2.04 vs 23.61±2.09 ng/mL, p<0.001) compared to controls and exhibited atherogenic dyslipidemia (all p<0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between visfatin and adiponectin (ρ=0.533 and p<0.001). Regression analysis revealed significant interactions in the hypothyroid group: visfatin×HEGF was associated with an increased LDL-C (β=0.1306, p=0.0188), while adiponectin×HEGF was associated with decreased LDL-C (=-0.0919, p=0.0062). Adiponectin showed a good screening for metabolic risk in hypothyroidism (AUC=0.80) compared to visfatin (AUC=0.68).
Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is associated with altered adipokine levels and a specific interplay with HEGF that influences LDL-C. Adiponectin shows promise as adjunctive marker for assessing metabolic dysfunction severity in hypothyroidism, and the HEGF-adipokine network represent
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