The Association between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Components of Metabolic Syndrome

The Metabolic Syndrome (Mets) includes central obesity, Hyperglycemia Plus Insulin Resistance (IR), Hypertension (HTN), Dyslipidemia [1]. Thyroid Hormones play an important role in regulating Carbohydrate, Lipids and Protein metabolism. There are several studies about the correlation between thyroid function and components of Mets, but the results are disputed. A cross-sectional study of 1581 Euthyroid subjects found that there was positive correlation between Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and index of IR as well as Triglyceride (TG) [2]. About one sixth of the Mets patients in Turkey were found to have Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH) [3]. Hypothyroidism affects Mets parameters including high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), TG and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS). Thyroid hormones are major regulatory hormones and may be associated with metabolic syndrome [4,5].