Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Associated with Insulin Resistance Markers?

ABSTRACT

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes cell death, hypothyroidism, and insulin resistance. Cholecystokinin, orexin-A, and cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript are essential regulators of various endocrine and autonomic processes, including food intake. We aimed to determine the cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript, orexin-A, and cholecystokinin levels in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients and assess the relationships between the metabolic parameters and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The present study was carried out in 45 Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients and 40 healthy control groups. Serum cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript levels (p<0.05), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p<0.05) and body mass index (p<0.05) were significantly higher in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients compared to the controls. Serum orexin-A levels were lower in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients than those in the controls (p<0.05). Serum cholecystokinin levels were similar between the two groups. A negative correlation was observed between orexin-A levels and cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript and cholecystokinin levels (r =−0.365, p<0.05; r=− 0.297, p<0.05, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript levels and body mass index, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance levels (r=0.448, p<0.01; r=0.489, p<0.01; r=0.492, p<0.01, respectively). Increased cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript and decreased orexin-A levels may be involved in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by controlling the thyroid-dependent immune system, insulin resistance, appetite, and body weight. We believe that our findings will lead to new developments in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.