Association of thyroid-stimulating hormone with serum insulin and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein in patients with hypothyroidism

Background

Hypothyroidism is associated with metabolic disturbances that extend beyond abnormalities in thyroid hormone concentrations. Alterations in insulin metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation may contribute to the increased cardiometabolic risk observed in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is routinely used to assess thyroid status; however, its relationship with serum insulin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) requires further evaluation. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 300 patients with hypothyroidism. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected. Serum TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), serum insulin, and hs-CRP were estimated using standardized laboratory methods. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between serum TSH and metabolic and inflammatory parameters. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.