Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research

Aim: To investigate relationship between serum TSH and lipid parameters in subjects with different levels of TSH.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Clinical Biochemistry Department of Kasturba Medical College, Hospital Mangalore, between January 2014 to June 2014.

Methodology: 348 subjects were screened of which 194 were selected. Lipid parameters, TSH, T₃, T₄ and glycemic status were determined. Association between TSH and serum lipids were studied by categorizing subjects into three groups based on their thyroid status. Group 1 [TSH= 0.27-2.5 mIU/L], Group 2 [TSH= 2.6-4.12 mIU/L] and Group 3 [TSH= 4.13-9.9mIU/L].Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. The relationships between TSH and different parameters were evaluated by Pearson’s correlation analysis.

Results: TSH showed a significant positive linear correlation with total cholesterol (r=0.288; P = 0.001), Triglycerides (r=0.129; P=0.016), LDL cholesterol (r=0.305; P =0.001) and negative correlation with HDL (r = - 0.129; P=0.750). Increasing TSH showed a consistent linear association with altered lipids quite evident from the uppermost part of the reference range that is considered clinically normal and there on.

Conclusion: A subtle variations of TSH alone in clinically normal thyroid state can alter serum lipids and hence asserts the role of TSH in maintaining lipid homeostasis.