Endocrine Abstracts

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is characterised by infiltration of the thyroid by lymphocytes and other immune cells. Autoantibodies to thyroid-specific antigens: thyroglobulin (TG) and thyroperoxidase (TPO) are also produced. The penetration of inflammatory cells into target organ is regulated by cytokines and adhesion molecules expressed on thyroid endothelial cells. E-selectin is one of the selectin family, and is responsible for interaction between leukocytes and endothelium and facilitates the accumulation of inflammation cells in thyroid gland. It is suggested that chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction can lead to increased cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome (MS) in AIT.

Aim: To investigate whether AIT is associated with elevated serum levels of E-selectin; to examine relationships between E-selectin, thyroid function, and different risk factors – components of MS.

Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifty-eight postmenopausal, euthyroid women were enrolled into the study. In 76 women AIT was recognised as the presence of elevated at least one of thyroid antibodies (TPO-Abs and TG-Abs) and the presence of typical thyroid sonography. One hundred and eighty-two women without AIT were control group. Anthropometric measurements were conducted (BMI and WHR) and blood pressure was measured. In all subjects were assessed: lipid profile, glucose, TSH, fT₄, TPO-Ab, TG-Ab, and E-selectin concentrations. Thyroid ultrasound scan was performed. The diagnosis of MS was performed using AHA/NHLBI criteria.

Results: When we compared AIT women and control group there were no differences in serum E-selectin concentrations. E-selectin was higher in MS for the two groups, but the prevalence of MS was similar. When we analysed all studied women, E-selectin positively correlated with BMI, WHR, and negatively with cHDL and fT₄. AIT was associated with elevated TSH.

Conclusions: In our study E-selectin was increased in metabolic syndrome, in relationships with obesity, visceral adiposity and lower fT₄, but was not related to thyroid autoimmunity.