CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE LIPID PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC-ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE COMBINED WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32345/USMYJ.3(164).2026.30-40Keywords:
metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, thyroid gland, hypothyroidism, biochemical blood analysis, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)Abstract
Introduction. A number of studies confirm a close pathophysiological relationship between thyroid dysfunction and metabolic liver disorders. In this regard, assessment of thyroid status in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is of important clinical and prognostic significance. Therefore, monitoring and timely correction of thyroid function may be considered an integral component of a comprehensive therapeutic approach in patients with MASLD.
Aim. To evaluate the lipid profile, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides, in patients with MASLD combined with subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, and normal thyroid function.
Materials and Methods. A total of 70 patients with MASLD were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups. Group 1 included 28 patients with MASLD and subclinical hypothyroidism. Group 2 comprised 22 patients with MASLD combined with overt hypothyroidism associated with diffuse nodular goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis. Group 3 included 20 patients with MASLD without thyroid dysfunction and served as the control group.
Results. In Group 1, lipid profile analysis revealed increased levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and VLDL-C, accompanied by decreased HDL-C levels. In Group 2, significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and VLDL-C were observed, together with a marked reduction in HDL-C compared with Group 3. In patients with MASLD without hypothyroidism, lipid parameters remained within reference ranges or demonstrated only mild elevations.
Conclusions. The presence of subclinical or overt hypothyroidism in patients with MASLD is associated with more pronounced disturbances in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
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