Evaluation of Serum CTRP-4 and CTRP-12 Levels in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients: A Comparative Analysis with a Control Group and Their Correlation with Biochemical Factors

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common thyroid disorders and is characterized by manifestations attributed to thyroid gland damage and inflammatory conditions. Disturbances in thyroid hormones have physiological effects on lipoprotein metabolism and liver enzymes. CTRP family: C1q/TNF-related protein (CTRP) is an adipokine superfamily of proteins. Its essential role is anti-inflammatory activation, insulin sensitization, and regulation of blood lipids. In this study, we investigated the levels of CTRP-4 and CTRP-12 in the serum of HT patients and determined their association with biochemical factors.

The study included 60 participants, divided into HT patients and control groups. Diagnostic criteria for HT patients included anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO)>50 IU/mL. Serum levels of CTRP-4, CTRP-12, and anti-TPO were measured using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Our findings showed that the CTRP-4 and CTRP-12 levels in HT patients were higher than in the control groups (P=0.012 and P=0.003, respectively). HT patients also exhibited higher fasting blood glucose (FBG), cholesterol, TG, HDL, and LDL serum levels. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a positive association between serum levels of CTRP-4 and CTRP-12 and anti-TPO (respectively, r= 0.295, P=0.022 and r = 0.346, P=0.007).

Our findings showed that the CTRP-4 and CTRP-12 levels in HT patients were higher than those in the control groups. These factors probably play a role in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The clinical significance of these factors should be evaluated in future studies.