Endocrine Abstracts

Endocan has been suggested as a marker for endothelial dysfunction. Some evidence exists that Graves’ disease may be associated with impaired endothelial function. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum endocan, endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in patients with Graves’ disease. Thirty one newly diagnosed patients with Graves’ disease and 31 healthy volunteers with similar age and sex were examined. Serum endocan, VEGF levels and CIMT were measured in the patient group both before antithyroid treatment and after euthyroidism achieved and compared with the control group. Serum endocan levels were higher in the hyperthyroid Graves’ group than the control group (0.68 (0.18-1.21) vs 0.49 (0.11-1.88) pg/ml, P=0.002). There was no significant difference in Graves’ group after euthyroidism was achieved and the control group (0.57 (0.14-0.96 vs 0.49 (0.11-1.88) pg/ml, P>0.05). Serum VEGF levels were not significantly different in the Graves’ and control group (P>0.05). CIMT was higher in the hyperthyroid Graves’ group than the control group (0.68±0.07 vs 0.47±0.06 mm, P<0.001). Decrease in CIMT was observed after euthyroidism achieved, however, it was still higher than the control group (0.59±0.05 vs 0.47±0.06 mm, P<0.001). Serum endocan levels were correlated negatively with TSH (P<0.01); positively with fT3 (P=0.01), fT4 (P<0.01), Anti-Tg (P<0.05) and Anti-TPO (P<0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis fT3 level was the most important predictor for endocan levels (F=5.664, R²=0.106, P<0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that serum endocan levels are increased and associated with fT3 in patients with Graves’ disease.