Are the thyroid hormones and thyrotropin associated with cardiometabolic risks and insulin resistance even in euthyroid subjects?

Czech version

Authors: Vojtěch Hainer ¹; Hana Zamrazilová ¹; Irena Aldhoon Hainerová ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Centrum pro diagnostiku a léčbu obezity Endokrinologického ústavu, Praha ¹; Klinika dětí a dorostu 3. LF UK a FN Královské Vinohrady, Praha ²
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2016; 62(Suppl 3): 63-67
Category: Reviews

Overview

Associations of both hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism with metabolic syndrome are well established. Nowadays, more attention has been paid to the role of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin (TSH) within the euthyroid range on the development of cardiometabolic health risks. The paper summarizes current knowledge related to the associations of lower free thyroxine (fT₄) level and higher levels of both free triiodothyronine (fT₃) and TSH with body adiposity, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in euthyroid subjects. In our recent study of obese euthyroid adolescents, we revealed that fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) positively correlated with fT₃ and TSH and negatively with fT₄. The ratio of fT₃ to fT₄ was also significantly related to HOMA-IR both in girls (r = 0.347, p < 0.001) and boys (r = 0.267, p < 0.001). It is concluded that up-to-date conducted studies mostly confirmed that thyroid hormones and TSH even in euthyroid range may significantly affect the metabolic health and particularly insulin sensitivity.

Key words:
euthyroid range – insulin resistance – metabolic health – metabolic syndrome – obesity – thyrotropin – thyroxine – triiodothyronine

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