Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins

BackgroundCarotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a key marker for atherosclerosis, with its modulation being crucial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. While thyroid function’s impact on cardiovascular health is recognized, the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms influenci...

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Main Authors: Ming-zhu Zhang, Cong Zhao, Xiao-ming Xing, Jie Lv
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Endocrinology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1345267/full
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author Ming-zhu Zhang
Cong Zhao
Xiao-ming Xing
Jie Lv
author_facet Ming-zhu Zhang
Cong Zhao
Xiao-ming Xing
Jie Lv
author_sort Ming-zhu Zhang
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundCarotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a key marker for atherosclerosis, with its modulation being crucial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. While thyroid function’s impact on cardiovascular health is recognized, the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms influencing CIMT remain to be elucidated.MethodsIn this study, Mendelian Randomization (MR) was employed to assess the causal relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. Thyroid hormone data were sourced from the Thyroidomics Consortium, while lipid traits and CIMT measurements were obtained from the UK Biobank. The primary analysis method was a two-sample MR using multiplicative random effects inverse variance weighting (IVW-MRE). Additionally, the study explored the influence of thyroid hormones on lipid profiles and assessed their potential mediating role in the thyroid function-CIMT relationship through multivariate MR analysis.ResultsThe study revealed that lower levels of Free Thyroxine (FT4) within the normal range are significantly associated with increased CIMT. This association was not observed with free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or TPOAb. Additionally, mediation analysis suggested that apolipoprotein A-I and B are involved in the relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. The findings indicate a potential U-shaped curve relationship between FT4 levels and CIMT, with thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients showing benefits in reducing CIMT.ConclusionThis research establishes a causal link between thyroid function and CIMT using MR methods, underscoring the importance of monitoring thyroid function for early cardiovascular risk assessment. The results advocate for the consideration of thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients as a strategy to mitigate the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. These insights pave the way for more targeted approaches in managing patients with thyroid dysfunction to prevent cardiovascular complications.
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spelling doaj.art-2877b797dc384c85bf52e003221c0a7c2024-03-22T04:28:23ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Endocrinology1664-23922024-03-011510.3389/fendo.2024.13452671345267Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteinsMing-zhu Zhang0Cong Zhao1Xiao-ming Xing2Jie Lv3Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, ChinaDepartment of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, ChinaDepartment of Respiratory Disease, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, ChinaDepartment of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, ChinaBackgroundCarotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a key marker for atherosclerosis, with its modulation being crucial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. While thyroid function’s impact on cardiovascular health is recognized, the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms influencing CIMT remain to be elucidated.MethodsIn this study, Mendelian Randomization (MR) was employed to assess the causal relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. Thyroid hormone data were sourced from the Thyroidomics Consortium, while lipid traits and CIMT measurements were obtained from the UK Biobank. The primary analysis method was a two-sample MR using multiplicative random effects inverse variance weighting (IVW-MRE). Additionally, the study explored the influence of thyroid hormones on lipid profiles and assessed their potential mediating role in the thyroid function-CIMT relationship through multivariate MR analysis.ResultsThe study revealed that lower levels of Free Thyroxine (FT4) within the normal range are significantly associated with increased CIMT. This association was not observed with free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or TPOAb. Additionally, mediation analysis suggested that apolipoprotein A-I and B are involved in the relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. The findings indicate a potential U-shaped curve relationship between FT4 levels and CIMT, with thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients showing benefits in reducing CIMT.ConclusionThis research establishes a causal link between thyroid function and CIMT using MR methods, underscoring the importance of monitoring thyroid function for early cardiovascular risk assessment. The results advocate for the consideration of thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients as a strategy to mitigate the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. These insights pave the way for more targeted approaches in managing patients with thyroid dysfunction to prevent cardiovascular complications.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1345267/fullthyroid hormonesMendelian randomizationcarotid intima-media thicknessapolipoprotein A-Iapolipoprotein B
spellingShingle Ming-zhu Zhang
Cong Zhao
Xiao-ming Xing
Jie Lv
Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins
Frontiers in Endocrinology
thyroid hormones
Mendelian randomization
carotid intima-media thickness
apolipoprotein A-I
apolipoprotein B
title Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins
title_full Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins
title_fullStr Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins
title_full_unstemmed Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins
title_short Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins
title_sort deciphering thyroid function and cimt a mendelian randomization study of the u shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins
topic thyroid hormones
Mendelian randomization
carotid intima-media thickness
apolipoprotein A-I
apolipoprotein B
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1345267/full
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