engleski

The role of thyroid hormones in carotid arterial wall remodeling and lipid metabolism

Introduction/Objectives: Thyroid hormones affect the cardiovascular system, but the precise mechanisms of their effects on the development of atherosclerosis are not entirely clear. The relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism, dyslipidemia and carotid atherosclerosis has been widely investigated, but the findings were controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine whether subjects with SHypo have increased carotid intima- media thickness (IMT) compared with euthyroid subjects, as well as to examine the association of SHypo, carotid atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia with elevated small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL). Participants, Materials/Methods: This research included 100 women aged 30 to 70 years who were divided into two groups: the SHypo group including subjects with signs of subclinical hypothyroidism and the control group of euthyroid subjects. Carotid IMT thickness using B mode ultrasound was determined and its correlation with serum concentrations of fT4, TSH, CRP, and lipidogram including sdLDL was analysed. Body weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. History of the current illnesses, medication use, alcohol consumption and cigarettes smoking were noted. Results: Increased carotid IMT as well as impaired lipid profile in terms of significantly elevated values of sdLDL and cholesterol/HDL ratio were observed in the Shypo subjects compared to the control group. Age, LDL and TSH showed strong positive correlation with carotid artery atherosclerotic changes. Conclusions: It is important to screen, track and eventually treat people showing early, subclinical signs of thyroid gland dysfunction to prevent development of carotid atherosclerosis and its complications such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Carotid wall

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