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Horm Metab Res 2016; 48(07): 462-467
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-102883
Endocrine Care
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Higher Plasma ApoE Levels are Associated with Low-Normal Thyroid Function: Studies in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Subjects

L. J. N. van Tienhoven-Wind
1   Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
,
G. M. Dallinga-Thie
2   Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
R. P. F. Dullaart
1   Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 12 November 2015

accepted 02 February 2016

Publication Date:
25 February 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Low-normal thyroid function within the euthyroid range may confer higher plasma triglycerides, but relationships with plasma apolipoprotein (apo) E, which plays an important role in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich apoB-containing lipoproteins, are unknown. We determined relationships of plasma apoE with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (free T4) in euthyroid subjects with and without Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). TSH, free T4, lipids, and apoE were measured in fasting plasma from 72 T2DM subjects and 82 nondiabetic subjects. The APOE genotype was also determined. Free T4 was slightly higher in T2DM (p=0.030), but TSH levels were not different vs. nondiabetic subjects. The APOE genotype distribution was not different between the groups. None of the participants had the ε2/ε2 genotype. Plasma triglycerides were higher in T2DM (p=0.037). ApoB and apoE levels were not different between the groups. In all subjects combined, multivariable analysis showed that plasma triglycerides (p=0.039), non-high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol (p=0.030), and apoE levels (p=0.002) were each independently and positively associated with TSH after adjustment for age, sex, T2DM and the presence of the APOE ε3 allele. Furthermore, the associations of TSH with apoE remained present after adjustment for either triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, or apoB (p=0.005 to 0.023). The presence of T2DM did not modify the relationships of TSH with these (apo) lipoprotein variables (p=0.11 to 0.36). In conclusion, low-normal thyroid function, as indicated by higher TSH levels within the euthyroid range, may influence the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by affecting apoE regulation.

Key words

apolipoprotein E - thyroid function - triglycerides - type 2 diabetes mellitus
 

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