Diagnostic potential of circulating Meteorin-like protein in Graves’ disease with subclinical hyperthyroidism subgroup analysis
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Abstract
Background: Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) is an adipokine mostly produced and secreted by adipose tissue. Metrnl is an adipokine that enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes the browning of adipose tissue, and increases energy expenditure.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate alterations in serum Metrnl levels in patients with Graves’ disease (GD) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH), with the objective of assessing its potential as a diagnostic biomarker.
Materials and methods: This case-control study was matched for age, sex, and BMI and included 40 patients with GD, 40 with SCH, and 80 controls. The average ages of the participants ranged from 22 to 59 years. Samples were obtained from July 2025 to January 2026. Metrnl levels were measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. T4 and TSH levels were evaluated using the VIDAS system (bioMérieux), whereas thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb) were detected using the Roche Cobas e411 Analyzer. The Roche Cobas c111 Analyzer was employed to evaluate lipid profiles.
Results: The mean serum Metrnl levels in the control group were 11.7±1.9 ng/mL. In contrast, patients with GD had a significantly elevated mean Metrnl level of 22.1±2.3 ng/mL (p<0.001). The SCH group had a markedly elevated mean concentration of 22.4±2.8 ng/mL (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Serum concentrations of TSH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL were markedly reduced in both GD and SCH relative to controls (p<0.001). T4 and TRAb levels were significantly elevated in GD and SCH compared with controls (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Elevated levels of Metrnl in Graves’ disease suggest its potential as a new biomarker for diagnosis and evaluation of metabolic risks, alongside conventional thyroid function tests.
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