The Correlation between Elevated HDL-Cholesterol, Body Mass Index, and Presence of Thyroid Nodules: A Retrospective Analysis


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Zorkun C. S., Yalta K., Eren A., Yetkin E.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, cilt.12, sa.23, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 12 Sayı: 23
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/jcm12237411
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Clinical Medicine
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: atherosclerosis, body mass index, cardiovascular protection, HDL-cholesterol, thyroid nodules
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Elevated high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) levels have been linked to unfavorable outcomes in various clinical settings, but the association with thyroid nodules remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the correlation between elevated HDL-cholesterol and the presence of thyroid nodules along with certain demographic and clinical findings. Methods: In this retrospective study, the patients were divided into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI): <25, 25–29, and >30 and evaluated. Data of 677 patients aged between 15 and 95 years (52.6 ± 15.6) were evaluated. The entire study population comprised 516 females (76.2%). Results: Thyroid nodules (67.1%) and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) (58.1%) were the two most frequent findings in the overall cohort. In the multivariate regression model, BMI, heart rate, and HDL-cholesterol values were significant and independent predictors (p = 0.000 for all) of the presence of thyroid nodules. The presence of thyroid nodules is higher in females, particularly within the higher BMI groups [odds ratio (OR) = 1.048 (CI = 1.02–1.08) for BMI < 25, p = 0.003; OR = 1.094 (CI = 1.05–1.14) for BMI 25–29, p = 0.000; OR = 1.115 (CI = 1.05–1.19) for BMI ≥ 30]. This higher incidence is not observed in males. Conclusion: While the precise mechanisms underlying this association are yet to be fully elucidated, elevated HDL-cholesterol may serve as an indicator of thyroid nodules rather than a marker of cardiovascular protection.