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Osteoprotegerin levels in children with subclinical hypothyroidism
Author(s) -
Giannakopoulos Aristeidis,
Katsantoni Elena,
Kritikou Dimitra,
Chrysis Dionisios
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.15291
Subject(s) - medicine , subclinical infection , osteoprotegerin , pediatrics , endocrinology , receptor , activator (genetics)
Aim In this study, we investigated the osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa Β ligand (sRANKL) serum levels in association with thyroid function in children with subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods In 143 children and adolescents with subclinical hypothyroidism and 343 with normal thyroid function, age, height, weight and pubertal status were recorded and TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), anti‐thyroid antibodies, OPG and sRANKL were measured in serum. Multiple linear regression was used for the statistical analysis with P < .05. Results Children with subclinical hypothyroidism had higher TSH and lower FT4 serum levels than the control group ( P < .05). Both groups had similar BMI Z‐score, OPG and sRANKL serum levels. After multiple regression analysis, in children with subclinical hypothyroidism, OPG was negatively associated with FT4 ( P < .05) whilst no association was observed between OPG and sRANKL, as well as between FT4 serum levels and RANKL. Conclusion Osteoprotegerin levels in children with subclinical hypothyroidism do not differ from those of euthyroid children. However, there is a negative association between FT4 and OPG levels observed only in the SH group. Considering the link between vascular dysfunction and alterations in osteoprotegerin levels, further research is needed to establish the role of childhood subclinical hypothyroidism in the long‐term cardiovascular risk.