The Effects of Thyroid Dysfunctions on Insulin Resistance in Patients with Hepatosteatosis

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BACKGROUND: Hepatosteatosis can develop due to insulin resistance. The effect of thyroid function status on insulin sensitivity and resistance is of great interest but the data is still conflicting. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid dysfunctions on insulin resistance in patients with hepatosteatosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 407 patients with hepatosteatosis were divided into three groups: 102 subjects with hypothyroidism, 103 with hyperthyroidism and 202 with normal thyroid function (control group). We measured serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (FT4) and free T3 (FT3) concentrations, blood glucose and insulin levels, serum lipid levels, hepatic transaminases and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR). RESULTS: Neither hypothyroidism patients nor hyperthyroidism patients showed significant differences in HOMA IR, glucose and insulin levels (p>0.05 for each). The frequency of insulin resistance was similar in all groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are not correlated to insulin resistance in patients with hepatosteatosis. Different causes which are associated with insulin resistance should be investigated in patients with thyroid dysfunction and hepatosteatosis.