Oxidative stress correlates well with markers of metabolic syndrome in clinically hypothyroid cases: a hospital based study in a remote tribal district

Relevance. Dislipidemia is one of the major manifestation of thyroid disease process due to alteration of metabolic parameters which are also seen in metabolic syndrome. Though oxidative stress has been implicated in both processes, controversial results have been obtained. Objective. To determine the status of lipid peroxidation product (Lpx) in the study group and identify the association of different components of metabolic syndrome. Material and Methods: 102 patients comprising of 60 healthy euthyroid controls and 42 hypothyroid patients served as the study group. Blood samples were collected for fasting blood sugar, renal parameters, lipid profile, tri-iodothyronin (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Level of lipid peroxidation in the samples was determined by monitoring the level of thiobarbituric acid like substances (TBARS) like substances. Results. The demographic parameters were significantly altered in hypothyroid patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure amongst both the groups was observed to have higher mean value in hypothyroid patients. The fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the hypothyroid was significantly higher than euthyroid control groups. The most frequent alteration in the hypothyroid patients was rise in SBP (95 %), Hypertriglyceridemia (50 %) and raised waist circumference (48 %) and DBP (42 %). A fourfold rise in Lpx was observed in hypothyroid subjects (p<0.001). Robust positive association was observed between TSH and Lpx. Multiple linear regressions revealed strongest and statistically significant association between serum serum thyroid stimulating hormone and waist circumference. Conclusion. The hypothyroid patients have significant higher degree of oxidative stress and the components of metabolic syndrome. They are the candidates for preventive health intervention.