IMPACT OF SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM ON HEPATIC LYPOGENISIS

Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), defined by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels, has been increasingly recognized as a metabolic condition associated with disturbances in hepatic lipid metabolism. The present cross-sectional analytical study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SCH and hepatic lipogenesis by comparing metabolic and liver function parameters between SCH patients and euthyroid controls. A total of 80 participants were included, equally divided into SCH patients (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 40). Biochemical analyses included thyroid function tests, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and fasting glucose. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results demonstrated significantly higher levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, ALT, AST, and fasting glucose in SCH patients compared to controls (p < .001), along with reduced HDL levels. TSH showed strong positive associations with triglycerides, LDL, total cholesterol, ALT, and AST, while HDL showed inverse relationships with metabolic and hepatic markers. Regression analysis revealed that TSH and fasting glucose were significant predictors of dyslipidemia and liver enzyme elevation, explaining up to 67% of variance in total cholesterol. No significant direct association was observed between Free T4 and lipid or liver parameters. In conclusion, SCH is significantly associated with dysregulation of lipid metabolism and hepatic enzyme elevation, suggesting a potential role in early hepatic lipogenesis and metabolic dysfunction. These findings highlight the clinical importance of early identification and monitoring of thyroid dysfunction to prevent progression toward metabolic and hepatic complications