Thyroid Nodule Correlation with Serum Prolactin and TPO Antibody Levels: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of thyroid nodules poses a grave clinical concern as they may lead to malignancy. Prolactin has been found to have anti-cell death properties and stimulates the growth of breast and prostate cells, as has been discovered in exploratory examinations. In light of this, the current research was designed to investigate whether a possible relationship exists between thyroid nodules and serum prolactin levels. Material and Methods: Ninety participants were enrolled in this study, of which 60 presented with thyroid nodules (30 antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) positive and 30 TPO-Ab negative) and 30 without thyroid nodules (control group). Patients' serum prolactin, TPO-Ab, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T4 values, and thyroid ultrasound reports were scrutinized. Statistically significant outcomes were determined by a P-value less than 0.05. Results: Serum TSH, prolactin, and TPO-Ab levels were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P=0.041, 0.050, and 0.000, respectively). The case group had more instances of hyperprolactinemia than the control group (35% vs. 13.3%) (OR=3.5, CI 95%=1.08-11.38, P=0.031). Furthermore, the TPO-Ab positive group demonstrated greater solidity than the TPO-Ab negative group (93.3% vs. 73.3%, P=0.038). Conclusion: The present study confirmed the presence of a positive correlation between thyroid nodules and increased serum TSH, prolactin, and TPO-Ab levels. Furthermore, TPO-Ab positive nodules exhibited greater solidity and elevated TSH levels.