Frequency and determinants of thyroid autoimmunity in Ghanaian type 2 diabetes patients: a case-control study

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and associated factors among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, 2000-2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Thyroid dysfunction (TD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently co-occur and have overlapping pathologies, and their risk increases with age. Thyroid dysfunction along with T2DM will worsen macro- and microvascular complications, morbidity, and mortality.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guideline was followed. The databases used were Embase, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The Joana Briggs Institute (JBI) scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The data was extracted by Microsoft Excel and analyzed through STATA version 14 software. The overall pooled prevalence of TD and its main components were estimated using the random-effects model. The consistency of studies was assessed by I2 test statistics. Pooled meta-logistic regression was used to present the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Besides, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed.

RESULT

Thirty-eight studies were included. The pooled prevalence of TD was 20.24% (95% CI: 17.85, 22.64). The pooled prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and hyperthyroidism was found to be 11.87% (95% CI: 6.90, 16.84), 7.75% (95% CI: 5.71, 9.79), 2.49% (95% CI: 0.73, 4.25), and 2.51% (95% CI: 1.89, 3.13), respectively. Subgroup analysis based on continent revealed a higher prevalence of TD in Asia and Africa. Factors like being female, HbA1c ≥ 7%, DM duration > 5 years, family history of TD, central obesity, smoking, the presence of retinopathy, and neuropathy were found associated with TD.

CONCLUSION

The current systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the TD's pooled prevalence was relatively higher than the general population. Therefore, regular screening of TD should be done for T2DM patients.

Exploring the bidirectional relationship between metabolic syndrome and thyroid autoimmunity: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Observational studies have reported a possible association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and thyroid autoimmunity. Nevertheless, the relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and MetS remains unclear. The objective of this research was to assess the causal impact of MetS on thyroid autoimmunity through the utilization of Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology.

Methods

We performed bidirectional MR to elucidate the causal relationship between MetS and their components and thyroid autoimmunity (positivity of TPOAb). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MetS and its components were obtained from the publicly available genetic variation summary database. The Thyroidomics Consortium conducted a genome-wide association analysis, which provided summary-level data pertaining to thyroid autoimmunity. The study included several statistical methods, including the inverse variance weighting method (IVW), weighted median, simple mode, weight mode, and MR-Egger methods, to assess the causal link. In addition, to ensure the stability of the results, a sensitivity analysis was conducted.

Results

IVW showed that MetS reduced the risk of developing thyroid autoimmunity (OR = 0.717, 95% CI = 0.584 - 0.88, P = 1.48E-03). The investigation into the causative association between components of MetS and thyroid autoimmune revealed a statistically significant link between triglycerides levels and the presence of thyroid autoimmunity (IVW analysis, OR = 0.603, 95%CI = 0.45 -0.807, P = 6.82E-04). The reverse analysis did not reveal any causal relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and MetS, including its five components.

Conclusions

We have presented new genetic evidence demonstrating that MetS and its triglyceride components may serve as potential protective factors against thyroid autoimmunity.

Association between thyroid autoimmunity and bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to further explore the influence of thyroid autoimmunity on diabetic osteoporosis.

METHODS

A total of 601 T2DM patients were included and divided into two groups according to thyroid autoantibodies, namely thyroid autoimmunity positive group (TPOAb+ or TGAb + ) and thyroid autoimmunity negative group (TPOAb- and TGAb-). Clinical data were collected and BMD was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). SPSS26.0 software was used to data analysis. Model regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of BMD, and ROC curve was used to analyze the optimal cut-off point of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) for screening osteoporosis.

RESULTS

TPOAb and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) were negatively correlated with BMD and T-score (LS, FN and WB) (P < 0.01), and TGAb was negatively correlated with 25(OH)D (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TPOAb was an independent influence factor on LS, FN and WB BMD. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal threshold of TPOAb for predicting osteoporosis was 12.35.

CONCLUSIONS

In T2DM patients, TPOAb and TGAb levels are negatively correlated with LS, FN and WB BMD, and TPOAb is an independent influencing factor for diabetic osteoporosis, and TPOAb has a certain predictive value for the occurrence and development of diabetic osteoporosis clinically.

Association of thyroid autoimmunity with extra-thyroid diseases and the risk of mortality among adults: evidence from the NHANES

Background

Thyroid autoimmunity is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases. However, its association with extra-thyroid diseases and mortality risk in the general population remains uncertain. Our study aims to evaluate the association of thyroid autoimmunity with extra-thyroid disease and the risk of mortality.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with participants from 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2011-2012, tracking their mortality until 2019. Associations between thyroid autoimmunity, which was defined as having positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and/or thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and extra-thyroid disease including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, arthritis, cancer and chronic renal disease and the risk of mortality were investigated.

Results

A total of 7431 participants were included in this study. Positive The prevalence of positive TgAb was 7.54%, and positive TPOAb prevalence was 11.48%. TgAb was significantly associated with diabetes (Model 1: OR=1.64, 95% CI:1.08-2.50; Model 2: OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.21-3.08) and hypertension (Model 1: OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.91; Model 2: OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.44-0.88). TPOAb was associated with a lower prevalence of chronic lung disease (model 1: OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.95; model 2: OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.95). No associations were observed between TgAb, TPOAb and other extra-thyroid diseases. Neither TgAb nor TPOAb were associated with all-cause mortality or heart disease mortality.

Conclusion

TgAb was linked to a higher prevalence of diabetes and a lower prevalence of hypertension, while TPOAb was associated with a decreased prevalence of chronic lung disease. However, neither TgAb nor TPOAb posed a risk for all-cause mortality or heart disease mortality.

Significance of monitoring the levels of thyroid hormone antibodies and glucose and lipid metabolism antibodies in patients suffer from type 2 diabetes

The association of thyroid hormone antibodies and glycolipid metabolism indicators with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was explored. As the disease worsens, the levels of thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was increased, and the levels of total tri-iodothyronine (TT3) and total thyroxine (TT4) was decreased (P < 0.001). The severe, medium, and light group had higher level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lower level of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triacylglycerol (TAG), and fasting blood sugar (FBG) than the control group (P ＜ 0.05). The level of HDL was lower in the severe group than the light group and the medium group, but the levels of TC, LDL, HbA1c, TAG, and FBG were increased with the progress of T2DM (P ＜ 0.001). The levels of TGAb, TPOAb, and TSH in patients with T2DM were positively correlated with the levels of TC, LDL, HbA1c, TAG, and FBG (P < 0.05), and were negatively correlated with HDL levels (P < 0.05). The life quality score was lower in the severe group than the light and the medium group (P < 0.001). Among the above indicators, the predictive value of TT3, TT4, and HbA1c in T2DM was better. Clinically, detecting the levels of thyroid hormone antibodies and glycolipid metabolism indicators had a certain predictive value for the severity of T2DM. Main findings: The results of this study found that the thyroid hormone antibody and glycolipid metabolism levels in T2DM patients were abnormal, and had different degrees of impact on the quality of life of patients. Thus, monitoring these indicators had certain predictive value for the severity of the disease, and also had a certain degree of suggestive effect on the evaluation of diabetic vascular complications. Clinically, attention should be paid to the screening of thyroid disease in diabetic patients, and the assessment and prognosis of thyroid function on diabetes, the control of diabetes, and the prevention and treatment of complications have important clinical significance.

The effects of pathophysiological changes in Type-2 diabetic patients on thyroid dysfunction and nodular goiter development in Turkey

Objective: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is higher in patients with diabetes, and its diagnosis could cause better diabetes management. The purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of pathophysiological changes in patients with Type-2 diabetes on the frequency of thyroid dysfunction, thyroid autoimmunity, thyroid nodule, and thyroid cancer in Turkey. Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 3.276 patients with Type-2 diabetes who underwent thyroid tests and thyroid ultrasonography (US). The demographic characteristics, biochemical and hormonal values, thyroid US reports, and histopathology reports were collected from the patient's electronic records. Results: Thyroid autoimmunity positive TPOab 15.9% (n = 524) and/or positive TGab 9.9% (n = 327), the rate of positivity of both antibodies (TPOab + TGab) in the same patient, and total thyroid autoimmunity was found to be 32.57% (n=1067) in Type-2 diabetic patients. Thyroid dysfunction was detected in 18.3% (n = 602) of these patients. The distribution of thyroid dysfunction was 9.09% (n = 298) subclinical hypothyroidism, 4.1% (n = 135) clinical hypothyroidism, 3.1% (n = 102) subclinical hyperthyroidism, 2.0% (n = 67) clinical hyperthyroidism. Also, 67.9% (n = 2225) thyroid nodules, and 5% (n = 164) thyroid cancer were detected. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction was found to have increased in patients with Type-2 diabetes at significant levels.

Relationship Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease in Postmenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose

It is unknown whether there is an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level and thyroid disease in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between blood 25(OH)D levels and thyroid function in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved Chinese postmenopausal women who presented to our diabetes clinic from March 2021 to May 2022 and were diagnosed with T2DM collected via a convenience sampling method. Blood samples were obtained from each patient to detect serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and 25(OH)D levels. Deficiency was defined as a 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL. Comparative analysis was via t-test or chi-square test. Pearson correlation was then used to estimate the relationship between different thyroid function parameters and 25(OH)D. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore potential risk factors for 25(OH)D deficiency.

Results

In total, 157 out of 230 participants (68.26%) had 25(OH)D deficiency. Compared with patients with normal 25(OH)D levels, patients with 25(OH)D deficiency had shorter medical histories of diabetes mellitus (DM, p = 0.001) and higher rates of hyperthyroidism (p = 0.007), hypothyroidism (p < 0.001), TPOAb positive (p < 0.001) and TgAb positive (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that TSH (r = -0.144, p = 0.030), FT4 (r = -0.145, p = 0.029), TPOAb (r = -0.216, p = 0.001) and TgAb (r = -0.150, p = 0.024) levels were correlated with serum 25(OH)D levels. Further multivariable logistic regression analyses suggested that the length of DM history, presence of hyperthyroidism, presence of hypothyroidism and positive TPOAb were significantly associated with the presence of 25(OH)D deficiency in postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Conclusion

Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and TPOAb positivity were significantly associated with the presence of 25(OH)D deficiency in postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes patients in sub-Saharan Africa from 2012 to 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is an increased burden of diabetes globally including in sub-Saharan Africa. The literature shows that glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes patients is poor in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the factors influencing glycaemic control in this region is therefore important to develop interventions to optimize glycaemic control. We carried out a systematic review to determine the prevalence and factors associated with glycaemic control in sub-Saharan Africa to inform the development of a glycaemic control framework in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

METHODS

We searched five databases (African Index Medicus, Africa-Wide Information, Global Health, PubMed, and Web of Science) using the following search terms: type-2 diabetes, glycaemic control, and sub-Saharan Africa. Only peer-reviewed articles from January 2012 to May 2022 were eligible for this review. Two reviewers, independently, selected articles, assessed their methodological quality using Joanna Briggs checklists, and extracted data. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of glycaemic control. Factors associated with glycaemic control were presented as a narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity as assessed by the I².

RESULTS

A total of 74 studies, involving 21,133 participants were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of good glycaemic control was 30% (95% CI:27.6-32.9). The glycaemic control prevalence ranged from 10-60%. Younger and older age, gender, lower income, absence of health insurance, low level of education, place of residence, family history of diabetes, longer duration of diabetes, pill burden, treatment regimen, side effects, use of statins or antihypertensives, alcohol consumption, smoking, presence of comorbidities/complications, and poor management were associated with poor glycaemic control. On the other hand, positive perceived family support, adequate coping strategies, high diabetes health literacy, dietary adherence, exercise practice, attendance to follow-up, and medication adherence were associated with good glycaemic control.

CONCLUSION

Suboptimal glycaemic control is pervasive among patients with type-2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa and poses a significant public health challenge. While urgent interventions are required to optimize glycaemic control in this region, these should consider sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical, and treatment-related factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is registered in PROSPERO under CRD 42021237941.

Association Between Elevated Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody and Abdominal Fat Distribution in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) are both common disorders in the general population, which are major drivers for adverse medical conditions. While an interaction between thyroid function and visceral obesity is thought to exist, but very few studies have examined the relationship between AITD and visceral obesity, especially in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the present study, we investigated the association between elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) titer and visceral fat area in T2DM patients.

METHODS

A total of 390 T2DM patients who met the criteria for admission and joined the National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) in the Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from April 2020 to December 2020 were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into two groups based on visceral obesity. Thyroid function, thyroid associated antibody and other metabolic indicators were measured by blood tests. The visceral fat area (VFA) and the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

RESULTS

There were 185 participants (47.4%) had visceral obesity. The positive rate of TPOAb was significantly higher in T2DM patients with visceral obesity (12.97% vs 5.37%, p < 0.01). Free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were both significantly higher in T2DM patients with visceral obesity (p < 0.05). The increased TPOAb titer was significantly positively correlated with visceral fat area (r = 0.175, p < 0.01). Binary logistic analysis showed that the positive rate of TPOAb was associated with an increased risk of visceral obesity [(OR) 4.258, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.594, 11.375, p = 0.004].

CONCLUSION

TPOAb-positive is more common in T2DM patients with visceral obesity, which has some effects on visceral obesity independent of thyroid function. This suggests that elevated TPOAb titer is a predictor of visceral obesity in T2DM patients.

Hormonal Regulation of the MHC Class I Gene in Thyroid Cells: Role of the Promoter "Tissue-Specific" Region

In previous studies we have demonstrated that the expression of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I gene in thyrocytes is controlled by several hormones, growth factors, and drugs. These substances mainly act on two regions of the MHC class I promoter a "tissue-specific" region (-800 to -676 bp) and a "hormone/cytokines-sensitive" region (-500 to -68 bp). In a previous study, we have shown that the role of the "tissue-specific" region in the MHC class I gene expression is dominant compared to that of the "hormone/cytokines-sensitive" region. In the present report we further investigate the dominant role of the "tissue-specific" region evaluating the effect of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), methimazole (MMI), phenylmethimazole (C10), glucose and thymosin-α1. By performing experiments of electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) we show that TSH, MMI and C10, which inhibit MHC class I expression, act on the "tissue-specific" region increasing the formation of a silencer complex. Glucose and thymosin-α1, which stimulate MHC class I expression, act decreasing the formation of this complex. We further show that the silencer complex is formed by two distinct members of the transcription factors families activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), c-jun and p65, respectively. These observations are important in order to understand the regulation of MHC class I gene expression in thyroid cells and its involvement in the development of thyroid autoimmunity.

Predictors of Adherence to Self-Care Behavior Among Patients with Diabetes at Public Hospitals in West Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a typical chronic disease that needs integrated and multifaceted approaches. Self-care practices are fundamental to achieve good blood glucose control and prevent long-term complications. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the level and predictors of adherence to self-care behavior among patients with diabetes on follow-up at public hospitals of western Ethiopia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The cross-sectional study design was employed on a sample of 423 diabetic patients on follow-up at public hospitals of western Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was employed. The data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences window version 24 for analysis. All variables significant at p-value <0.05 in the bivariable were entered in multivariate regression analysis. Backward stepwise goodness of fit was used to ascertain the suitable variables in multiple linear regression analysis. Finally, multivariate linear regression analysis with adjusted B, CI at 95%, and the significance level was set at p <0.05. All predictive variables were reported in terms of adjusted R2.

RESULTS

The overall mean and standard deviation of adherence to self-care behavior was 23.09 ±6.55. Among the study participants, 42.70% had good self-care behavior. Self-efficacy (B=0.106, p<0.001), home blood glucose test (B=0.075, p<0.001), exercise per week (0.035, P<0.002), meal planning (B=0.039, P<0.001), dietary restriction (B=0.077, P<0.001), duration of diabetes<4 years (B=0.030, P<0.013), non-pharmacological intervention (B=0.055, P<0.011), and good appetite (B=0.039, P<0.045) were significant variables associated with adherence to self-care behaviors.

CONCLUSION

The overall level of adherence to self-care behavior was low. Therefore, we recommended that it is better if the national health policymaker focused on dietary management modality that engages patients' behavior change to develop self-care practices and closely monitoring of glucose level. Also, we recommended an additional longitudinal study incorporating a qualitative study that focused on behavioral changes.

Iodine nutrition status and its association with microvascular complications in urban dwellers with type 2 diabetes

Background

The principal function of iodine acts on thyroid function, but in recent years, the role of iodine deficiency in metabolism has also been gradually revealed. We aimed to investigate the current status of iodized salt consumption and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in an urban Chinese population with type 2 diabetes, and to further explore whether UIC was associated with diabetic microvascular complications.

Methods

Four thousand five hundred fifty-nine subjects with diabetes from 7 communities in downtown Shanghai were enrolled in the cross-sectional Metal Study in 2018. UIC was detected using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) was defined as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) > 30 mg/g or estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was evaluated by high-quality fundus photographs and was remotely read by ophthalmologist.

Results

The median UIC of subjects with diabetes was 115.4 μg/L (78.9–170.8) in downtown Shanghai. Among all the subjects, 52.7% consumed non-iodized salt and 40.4% were iodine deficient. Iodine deficiency (UIC < 100 μg/L) was associated with an increased odds of DKD (OR 1.17; 95%CI 1.01–1.37) after adjustment for age, sex, education, current smokers, BMI, HbA1c, duration of diabetes, dyslipidemia, thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine. No association was observed between UIC and DR after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions

A concerning number of subjects with diabetes consumed non-iodized salt and suffered from iodine deficiency in coastal regions of China. Low UIC might be a risk factor for DKD, which should be further confirmed by longitudinal prospective studies.

Elevated TPOAb is a Strong Predictor of Autoimmune Development in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in T2DM with NAFLD, furthermore explore the relationship between elevated TPOAb titer and the severity of NAFLD.

METHODS

A total of 400 patients with T2DM were divided into two groups according to NAFLD. Thyroid function and other metabolic indicators were measured.

RESULTS

There were more TPOAb-positive patients in both groups, and the prevalence of TPOAb positive was significantly different in two groups (17% vs 6.9%, p< 0.01). FT4 was significantly lower in patients with T2DM with NAFLD (median FT4 0.89 vs 1.08, p < 0.001), while TSH was increased (median TSH 2.85 vs 2.28, p < 0.05). In patients with T2DM with NAFLD, the proportion of women in the thyroid autoimmune-positive group was significantly higher than the negative (71.1% vs 46%, p < 0.01). Similarly, thyroid autoimmune-positive T2DM and NAFLD patients had lower FT4 levels (median FT4 0.59 vs 0.92, p < 0.001), higher TSH levels (median TSH 3.65 vs 2.67, p < 0.001), and much higher TPOAb/TGAb (median TPOAb/TGAb 6.8 vs 1.46, p < 0.001). The increase of TPOAb was significantly correlated with the severity of fatty liver. HbA1c, TC, TG, TSH, TPOAb/TGAb and severity of fatty liver were risk factors of thyroid autoimmunity.

CONCLUSION

Autoimmune thyroid disease is more common in patients with T2DM complicated with NAFLD. Elevated TPOAb titer is closely related to fatty liver, suggesting that elevated TPOAb titer is a predictor of autoimmune development in T2DM with NAFLD.

The Presence of Serum TgAb Suggests Lower Risks for Glucose and Lipid Metabolic Disorders in Euthyroid General Population From a National Survey

Purpose: The expressions of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin (TgAb) are very common in the sera of patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). The relationship between thyroid autoantibodies and the occurrence of glucose and lipid metabolic disorders remains unclear. This study was performed to investigate the correlation between the presence of serum TPOAb/TgAb and those metabolic disorders in euthyroid general population. Methods: The data of this study were derived from the Thyroid Disease, Iodine status, and Diabetes National epidemiological (TIDE) survey from all 31 provinces of mainland China. A total of 17,964 euthyroid subjects including 5,802 males (4,000 with TPOAb^-TgAb^- and 1,802 with TPOAb⁺/TgAb⁺) and 12,162 females (8,000 with TPOAb^-TgAb^- and 4,162 with TPOAb⁺/TgAb⁺) were enrolled in this study. The blood glucose and lipid levels were compared between individuals with TPOAb^-TgAb^- and those with TPOAb⁺TgAb^-, TPOAb^-TgAb⁺, TPOAb⁺TgAb⁺. Results: Both fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentration and the proportion of individuals with impaired FBG (IFG) showed the decreased trends in TPOAb^-TgAb⁺ males as compared with TPOAb^-TgAb^- men. There were significantly lower FBG and higher HDL-C levels as well as tendencies toward decreased incidences of IGT and hypertriglyceridemia in TPOAb^-TgAb⁺ females when compared with TPOAb^-TgAb^- women. Binary logistic regression analysis further showed that serum TgAb single positivity in males was an independent protective factor for IFG with an OR of 0.691 (95% CI, 0.503-0.949). For females, serum TgAb single positivity was an independent protective factor for hypertriglyceridemia with an OR of 0.859 (95% CI, 0.748-0.987). Trend test showed that with the increase of serum TgAb level, there were significant decreases in the prevalence of IFG among the men with TSH ≤ 2.5 mIU/L and that of hypertriglyceridemia in the women, especially among non-obese females. Conclusion: Serum TgAb single positivity may imply a reduced risk of IFG in euthyroid men and that of hypertriglyceridemia in euthyroid women. The mechanisms for the independent protective roles of TgAb await further investigation.

Are Thyroid Autoimmune Diseases Associated with Cardiometabolic Risks in a Population with Normal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone?

Background

The interrelation between thyroid autoimmunity and cardiovascular risks is complex and has not been confirmed. This study aimed at evaluating whether there exists a relationship between thyroid autoimmune diseases (AITDs) and cardiometabolic risks in a large population with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Methods

The data was obtained from a cross-sectional study (SPECT-China study). This study enrolled 9082 subjects (3948 males and 5134 females) above 18 years with normal TSH levels. AITD was defined according to the positivity of TPOAb and TgAb as well as thyroid ultrasonography (US) findings.

Results

After full adjustment, TPOAb and/or TgAb positivity (TPO/TgAb (+)) was significantly associated with higher BMI, waist circumference (WC), and HbA1c only in women (P = 0.004, 0.026 and 0.032, respectively), while both TPO/TgAb positivity and US positivity (TPO/TgAb (+) and US (+)) were positively associated with BMI and WC in both genders (P = 0.002 and 0.020 in men; P < 0.001and <0.001 in women). TPO/TgAb (+) and US (+) were positively associated with HOMA-IR in women (P = 0.021) as well. Binary logistic analysis showed that AITDs had increased risks of central obesity, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome only in women (all P < 0.05). Moreover, TPO/TgAb (+) and US (+) were associated with an increased risk of obesity for both genders (P = 0.014 in men and P = 0.006 in women).

Conclusions

Thyroid autoimmunity was positively associated with HbA1c, HOMA-IR, obesity, central obesity, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, especially in women. This highlighted that AITDs may be potential risk factors for cardiometabolic disorders even if one's TSH was within the reference range.

Low Vitamin D Deficiency Associated With Thyroid Disease Among Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid diseases among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

This was a cohort case and control study, 546 T2DM patients and 546 control study participants were enrolled, aged between 25 and 65 years. The subjects were also investigated for fasting blood glucose levels (FBG), post prandial glucose (PPG,) glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, T4, and presence of other comorbid conditions. Thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy was suggested to patients whose thyroid nodules were greater than 1.00 cm.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between T2DM patients and control subjects regarding BMI (kg/m2), physical activity, cigarette smoking, sheesha smoking, family history of diabetes, hypertension and family history of thyroid nodules. The clinical biochemistry values among T2DM for vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, HbA1c, HLDL, LDL, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were lower than control subjects, but higher in creatinine, albumin, TSH, T3, and T4 which appeared statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). Also, the study revealed statistically significant differences between subjects vitamin D deficiency and with thyroid nodules for calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, HbA1c, high density lipoprotein (HDL), SBP and DBP, TSH, T3, and T4 among T2DM patients and control subjects (P < 0.001). Multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that TSH, HbA1c, vitamin D deficiency, SBP (mm Hg), BMI, family history of DM, serum calcium level and family history of thyroid were considered at higher risk as predictors of thyroid among T2DM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that obesity, HbA1c, the environment, and genetic susceptibility among T2DM, may increase the risk of thyroid disease and cancer. Although evidence has shown that thyroid cancer incidence has been rising more rapidly over time than the occurrence of cancers of other sites, due to an increase of obesity, diabetes and lack of physical activity, this study lacks of direct evidence supporting this conclusion.

Correlation between heat shock proteins, adiponectin, and T lymphocyte cytokine expression in type 2 diabetics

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) features insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, and systemic oxidative stress. Here, heat shock proteins Hsp70 and Hsp 90, adiponectin, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1, Hsp32) are profiled in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and serum from 25 T2DM patients and 25 healthy control subjects. Cells cultured with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin were evaluated by three-color flow cytometry for immunophenotypic biomarkers. Plasma HO-1, Hsp, and adiponectin levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Relative to healthy controls, T2DM patients exhibited significantly elevated plasma Hsp70, and representation of T helper immunophenotypes activated to express inflammatory cytokines, including CD4+ IFN-γ+, CD4+ TNF-α+, CD4+ IL-6+, CD4+ IL-1β+ T cells, significantly lower representation of CD4+ IL-10+ T cells, plasma adiponectin and cell-associated HO-1 expression-with no significant differences in plasma Hsp90 between T2DM and healthy controls. Plasma HO-1 and adiponectin in T2DM patients inversely correlated with TNF-α and showed inverse correlation between serum LDL and plasma HO-1. Moreover, TNF-α and Hsp90 in T2DM patients correlated positively with fasting blood glucose (FBG). These results demonstrate correlation between potentially pathogenic T cells, HO-1, and adiponectin, additionally revealing a T helper (Th)1-related character of T2DM immunopathogenesis, suggesting potential for novel T cell-related management strategies for T2DM and related co-morbidities.

High-normal serum thyrotropin levels and increased glycemic variability in type 2 diabetic patients

PURPOSE

High-normal thyrotropin (TSH) is related to reduced insulin sensitivity and may contribute to glycemic disorders in diabetes. We investigated the relationship between normal serum TSH levels and glycemic variability in euthyroid type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

A total of 432 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients with euthyroid function and normal serum TSH levels were recruited between March 2013 and February 2017. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by the Matsuda index (ISI_Matsuda) following a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Multiple glycemic variability indices, including the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), mean of daily differences (MODD), and standard deviation of glucose (SD), were calculated from glucose data obtained with a continuous glucose monitoring system. Average glucose accessed by 24-h mean glucose (24-h MG) was also calculated.

RESULTS

A normal serum TSH level was positively correlated with MAGE, MODD, SD, and 24-h MG (r = 0.206, 0.178, 0.186, and 0.132, respectively, p < 0.01). After adjusting for somatometric parameters, lipid profiles, ISI_Matsuda, and HbA1c via multiple linear regression analysis, mean differences [B(95% CI)] in MAGE, MODD, SD, and 24-h MG between the patients in the lowest and highest quartiles of TSH levels were 0.128(0.031, 0.226), 0.085(0.022, 0.148), 0.039(0.001, 0.078), and 0.002(-0.264, 0.267) mmol/L, respectively. High-normal TSH was independently associated with MAGE, MODD, and SD, but not 24-h MG.

CONCLUSIONS

High-normal serum TSH is a significant additional risk factor for increased glycemic variability in type 2 diabetic patients.

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Thyroid-associated Orbitopathy in Accra

PURPOSE:

Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO), a clinical manifestation of Graves' disease, is an autoimmune disorder of the orbital and periorbital tissue. Data on the epidemiology and clinical presentation of TAO in Africa are generally scarce and unavailable in Ghana. We investigated the epidemiology and clinical features of TAO among patients with thyroid disorders attending the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with thyroid disorders which was conducted at the endocrine and orbital clinics of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Diagnosis was based on clinical features and confirmed by a thyroid function test. Data collected and analyzed included demography, systemic and ocular features of thyroid disorder, and thyroid function tests.

RESULTS:

Of the 194 patients with thyroid disorders recruited, 117 (60.30%) had TAO. The mean age was 45.22 years (standard deviation: 13.90). The male:female ratio was 1:4.45. The most common ocular symptoms were “bulging eyes” (76/65.00%) and “puffy eyelid” (62/53.00%), and the common signs were eyelid retraction (97/82.91%) and proptosis (80/68.38%). Mild TAO was diagnosed in 64.96% of patients with only 6.84% having the severe form. The outcomes of the thyroid function test, thyroid disorder, and severity of TAO did not record any statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS:

The epidemiology is similar to those reported from other parts of the world, but the ocular presentation seems to be milder than in Caucasians.

The Effect of Thyroid Dysfunction on the Cardiovascular Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Thyroid dysfunction is known to exaggerate the coronary heart disease (CHD) risk associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among whites. The effect is yet to be studied among African populations.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study involving 780 T2DM patients enrolled in a diabetes clinic in Kumasi, Ghana. CHD risk was estimated using the Framingham and UKPDS risk scores. Risks were categorised as low (<10%), intermediate (10-19%), and high (≥20%). Associations between metabolic risk factors, thyroid dysfunction, and CHD risk were measured using Spearman's partial correlation analysis while controlling for age and gender. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

780 T2DM patients (57.7% females), mean ± SD age of 57.4 ± 9.4 was analysed. The median (IQR) 10-year CHD score estimated using the Framingham and UKPDS risk engines for males and females was 12 (8-20), 9.4 (5.7-13.4), p < 0.0001 and 3 (1-6), 5.8 (3.4-9.6), p < 0.0001, respectively. Positive correlation was found between CHD risk and HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and thyroid stimulating hormone.

CONCLUSION

The presence of thyroid dysfunction significantly increased the CHD risk associated with T2DM patients in Ghana.

Insulin Resistance: Any Role in the Changing Epidemiology of Thyroid Cancer?

In the past few decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer (TC), namely of its papillary hystotype (PTC), has shown a steady increase worldwide, which has been attributed at least in part to the increasing diagnosis of early stage tumors. However, some evidence suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors can also play a role. Among the potential risk factors involved in the changing epidemiology of TC, particular attention has been drawn to insulin-resistance and related metabolic disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which have been also rapidly increasing worldwide due to widespread dietary and lifestyle changes. In accordance with this possibility, various epidemiological studies have indeed gathered substantial evidence that insulin resistance-related metabolic disorders might be associated with an increased TC risk either through hyperinsulinemia or by affecting other TC risk factors including iodine deficiency, elevated thyroid stimulating hormone, estrogen-dependent signaling, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and others. This review summarizes the current literature evaluating the relationship between metabolic disorders characterized by insulin resistance and the risk for TC as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. The potential implications of such association in TC prevention and therapy are discussed.