Subclinical hypothyroidism: Comparison of adhesion molecule levels before and after levothyroxine therapy. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bilgir, Ferda; Bilgir, Oktay; Calan, Mehmet; Calan, Ozlem; Isikyakar, Tolgay
• Is Part Of: Journal of international medical research. Volume 42:Number 3(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 806
• Page End: 814
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Subclinical hypothyroidism -- levothyroxine -- sICAM-1 -- sVCAM-1 -- sE-selectin; Medicine -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060514526566
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-0605

Abstract

Objective: Adhesion molecules are involved in inflammation, atherosclerosis and malignancy. This study measured levels of adhesion molecules before and after levothyroxine therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SHO). Methods: Levels of soluble (s) intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, s vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) VCAM-1 and sE-selectin were analysed in patients diagnosed with SHO, prior to administration of 50 µg/day levothyroxine orally for 3 months. Subsequently, levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were reanalysed then compared with the pretreatment levels. Results: In 30 patients with SHO, levels of sICAM-1 were found to be significantly higher than those in healthy controls, ( P = 0.001). Post-treatment sICAM-1 levels were significantly lower than pretreatment levels ( P = 0.001). No significant differences were found in sVCAM-1 or sE-selectin levels between healthy controls and patients with SHO before treatment, or between patients with SHO pre- and post-treatment. Conclusions: Patients with SHO had significantly higher levels of sICAM-1 compared with controls. Levels became normal after treatment with levothyroxine. These findings emphasize the need for levothyroxine therapy in cases of SHO to normalize sICAM-1 levels. Such treatment helps to prevent the future development of atherosclerosis or cancer.