Endocrine Abstracts

Background and aim: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis pathogenesis remains unclear in spite of many factors currently suggested. Aim of the study was to explore the relationship between hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT), goiter formation, and to see if HGF levels are adjusted by TSH suppression.

Materials and methods: Sixty-one premenopausal women who admitted our department between November 2010-September 2011 were enrolled in the study. Three groups were determined according to their thyroid function tests (TFTs). (Euthyroid Hashimoto’s, control and subclinical Hashimoto’s groups; n: 26, 23, 12 respectively). Basal TFTs and lipit profiles, Anti-TPO, Anti-Tg, thyroid USG and HGF were performed. Subclinical hypothyroid group received levothyroxine sodium replacement therapy and was re-assessed for the same laboratory and radiologic features after a median 3,5 months of follow-up.

Results: The main age of patients were 26.39±5.7. Statistical analysis showed no relationship between HGF and other parameters. In the subclinical hypothyroidism group pre- and post-treatment HGF change was statistically insignificant (P:0.496). Basal HGF did not differ between groups (P: 0.504).

Conclusion: In contrast with the existing literature, HGF level was not found different between patients diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and control group, also no difference was shown whether nodular goiter is present or not. L-T₄ replacement therapy did not alter HGF levels.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector