Endocrine Abstracts

A lot of new data have been recently generated regarding the complex relationship between the thyroid function and metabolic parameters.

The aim of the study was to estimate the obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) rates according to the age and the thyroid function in the residents of Belarus.

We have examined 894 subjects aged 18–44 years (82.2% females) living in Stolin district, Brest region of Belarus. The endocrinological examination with anthropometric measurements, the thyroid ultrasound, thyroid function tests and blood biochemistry were performed. The central obesity was diagnosed according to the IDF criteria.

Waist circumference exceeded the IDF cut-off levels in 68.1% of the studied population (71.8% females and 50.9% males). The MS (central obesity +2 or more the IDF factors) was diagnosed in 29% of the whole population: only in 5% of subjects at the age of 18–19, in 19% of 20–29 years old, in 32% of aged 30–39 years and in 48% of those aged 40–44 years. In the population of Stolin, 87% of the studied people were euthyroid (TSH 0.3–4.0 mIU/l). Hyperthyroidism (TSH <0.3 mIU/l) and hypothyroidism (TSH >4.0 mIU/l) was found in 2 and 11% of subjects respectively. The frequency of MS in subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher than in the group with normal thyroid function (39 vs 27%, P<0.001). In young participants (20–29 years old), the proportion of those having MS was twice higher in subclinical hypothyroidism compared to euthyroidism (33 vs 15% respectively). Such a tendency was decreasing with aging.

Our screening study has demonstrated the most evident influence of hypothyroidism on MS development in young people (20–29 years old). Such an effect disappeared in the older age groups, even if the rate of MS was higher in them.