Effect of rhTSH on Lipids.

[helvella]

We can speculate. If rising TSH causes total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol all to rise, why is it OK for people to see their TSH allowed to reach 10.0 (or higher) before any treatment?

(Of course, we also have all the questions over the real importance of cholesterol levels.)

I think this study needs an awful lot more work, but it is of some interest.

J Clin Med. 2020 Feb 14;9(2). pii: E515. doi: 10.3390/jcm9020515.

Effect of rhTSH on Lipids.

Delitala AP1, Scuteri A2, Maioli M3,4,5, Casu G6, Merella P6, Fanciulli G2.

Author information

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with increased blood lipid levels. However, the exact role of thyrotropin (TSH) alone is not clear. In order to clarify this point, we analysed the acute effect of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) administration on lipid levels.

METHODS:

Sera of 27 premenopausal women with well-differentiated thyroid cancer were analysed. Patients that underwent a total thyroidectomy, ablation with 131I (Iodine 131) and rhTSH administration as a part of routine follow-up American Thyroid Association guidelines were included. The protocol consists of 2 intramuscular injections of 0.9 mg of rhTSH, performed on day 1 day and day 2, with blood collection on day 1 (before rhTSH administration), and day 5. TSH, free thyroxine, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and triglycerides were assessed in all the samples, before and four days after the first administration of rhTSH.

RESULTS:

Total cholesterol and triglycerides significantly increased after stimulation of rhTSH (respectively, 192 ± 33 vs. 207 ± 26, p = 0.036 and 72 ± 23 vs. 85 ± 23, p = 0.016). LDLc and HDLc showed comparable concentrations before and after the test (respectively, 115 ± 27 vs. 126 ± 22, p = 0.066, and 62 ± 15 vs. 64 ± 15, p = 0.339), while non-HDLc increased after stimulation (130 ± 30 vs. 143 ± 25, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION:

TSH has a direct effect on total cholesterol, triglycerides, and nonHDLc. Explanation of these phenomena will require additional studies.

KEYWORDS:

TSH; lipids; nonHDL cholesterol; rhTSH; total cholesterol; triglycerides

PMID: 32074945

DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020515

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/320...

[Hidden]

No T3 testing? Or did I miss it? (Brain not in gear today)

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Hidden]

No - not mentioned.

I cannot see how they can be so sure that it was the TSH that had the effects, directly, rather than mediated by thyroid hormones.

Full paper definitely required. And even then, probably nowhere near enough information.

[Ernest2]

Interesting. Many thanks for posting.

Ernest