The Relationship with Serum Heart Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Hypothyroidism

Aim: To investigate the variability of Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the relationship between CIMT and serum Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) levels in patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. We also aimed to evaluate the effect of levothyroxine treatment on these markers. Material and Methods: 40 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH), 40 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and 30 healthy individuals as control group were evaluated according to serum lipid and thyroid hormone panels, serum H-FABP levels and CIMT measurements. Serum H-FABP levels and CIMT of the patients in group OH were also evaluated following 6-months levothyroxine replacement treatment. Results: The levels of serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and H-FABP in group OH were significantly higher (p<0.05). CIMT in group OH was also significantly higher than other groups (p<0.05). There was an insignificant slight positive correlation between serum H-FABP and CIMT. The values of serum H-FABP levels and CIMT measurements after levothyroxine treatment significantly decreased in comparison with pre-treatment period (p<0.05). Conclusion: The increased CIMT and H-FABP levels in overt hypothyroidism might be used as an indicator in determining subclinical atherosclerosis. Levothyroxine treatment might protect the patients with overt hypothyroidism in terms of cardiovascular risk by decreasing CIMT and serum H-FABP levels.