IMPLICATIONS OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION ON LIVER ENZYMES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The liver has an important role in thyroid hormone metabolism. Normal  level of thyroid hormones also important for normal hepatic function [1].Thyroid disorders often accompany abnormal serum enzyme levels and disturbances in liver functions. Thyroid diseases may be associated with elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)  and alkaline phosphatase(ALP).[2] Thyroid hormones regulate the basal metabolic rate of all cells including hepatocytes, and hence, modulate hepatic function; the liver in turn metabolizes the thyroid hormones and regulates their systemic endocrine effects .[3]  Thyroid dysfunction may perturb liver function .So, the objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in liver  function in thyroid dysfunction.

AIMS: Aim of the present study is to determine the biochemical markers of liver function test ie Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in patients with thyroid dysfunction  and to evaluate the effect of  altered thyroid hormones on liver function tests . Also  to find their possible correlation  ie Pearsons correlation between Liver specific enzymes & thyroid hormones  in patients  attending clinical biochemistry OPD at tertiary care Unit, IGGMC,Nagpur.

Materials & Methods – This  study include  about  100  patients attending  clinical  Biochemistry OPD, IGGMC, Nagpur for routine thyroid test. Estimations  of  thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) done & Liver specific enzymes like activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) estimated in all patients..Collected sample was analysed  for  liver enzymes, run on Autoanalyser EM 460  in clinical Biochemistry Laboratory,IGGMC,Nagpur. Thyroid tests was run on Elisa reader & washer . Serum values of Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodo thyronine (T3) were assayed by ELISA tests and values were compared & correlated with Liver enzymes level .The data was analysed  & Pearsons Correlation was obtained, p value <0.05 considered as significant.

RESULTS: Results of our study shows Positive Pearsons correlation between TSH  & Liver enzymes in thyroid dysfunction while there is Negative Pearsons correlation between T3,T4 with Liver enzymes. P value is found to be statistically significant ie  <0.05 .

CONCLUSIONS:

Thyroid dysfunction patients should be regularly checked for biochemical parameters of Liver enzymes.

It can be concluded that thyroid hormones  altered liver function tests. It is thus recommended that liver function tests interpretation in thyroid dysfunction must be advised to prevent progression of disease.