Amirali Ayatollahi - Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Zohre Moosavi - Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Hossein Ayatollahi - Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Background & Objective: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), is defined as an asymptomatic state characterized by a normal serum concentration of free thyroxine and elevated serum concentration of TSH. This study aims to investigate the complex interplay between hyperinsulinism, insulin resistance, beta cell function, and low-grade chronic inflammation in Iranian women with SCH. Methods: Eighty women with SCH and ۸۰ healthy women as controls matched to the patient group for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. TSH, free T۳, free T۴, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fasting insulin, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, Triglyceride, HOMA-IR index, Beta cell function (HOMA-B index) and insulin sensitivity were determined. Results: Hs-CRP was not statistically different between the SCH patients and the control group (۳.۷±۳.۲ Vs ۳.۶±۴.۰, P>۰.۰۵). Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly higher; however, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol were not statistically different in patients with SCH as compared with the control group. Fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR and Beta cell function (HOMA-B) were significantly higher in SCH women compared to the control group. A positive correlation between HOMA-IR and HOMA-B with TSH levels was found (r=۰.۳۲۴, r=۰.۱۹۱, P<۰.۰۵ respectively). A positive correlation between insulin levels and hs-CRP (r=۰.۲۲, P<۰.۰۵), also between insulin levels and TSH (r=۰.۳۱۲, P<۰.۰۵) and LDL- LDL-cholesterol was obtained (r=۰.۲۷, P<۰.۰۵). Conclusion:  Iranian women with SCH may exhibit elevated atherogenic parameters (hyperinsulinemia, LDL-cholesterol, and total cholesterol), HOMA-IR, and HOMA-B.

Beta cell function, C-reactive protein, Insulin resistance, Subclinical hypothyroidism