Comparative analysis of the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, glycated hemoglobin and indicators of lipid metabolism in women of Lviv and Kyiv regions

Abstract

Background. The prevalence of thyroid diseases, including endemic goiter and autoimmune disorders, has been consi­dered by scientists for more than a century as a cause for reducing the working capacity of the population and also affects the cognitive ability of future generations. Geographically, Lviv region is in an endemic iodine deficiency zone, while Kyiv region suffered negative radiation exposure as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Since both factors affect the state of the thyroid system, the study on the levels of thyroid hormones among women in the specified areas makes it possible to identify the risks of thyroid pathologies and to develop a strategy for their prevention. The purpose of the study: to find out and analyze the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), glycated hemoglobin and indicators of lipid metabolism in women of Lviv and Kyiv regions. Materials and methods. One hundred and fifty women were examined, their average age was 48 ± 7 years. The criterion for inclusion in the study were: absence of diabetes or treatment for thyroid pathologies, as well as other serious diseases. The survey was conducted once, in July-August 2022. The level of pituitary TSH, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPO-Ab), glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein was evaluated. Results. In examined women of the Kyiv region, the average TSH was 2.21 ± 0.30 mIU/l, while in those from the Lviv region it was within 2.42 ± 0.17 mIU/l (p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between the average values of TPO-Ab, some women had high levels of antibodies without manifestations of hypothyroidism and clinical complaints. The average value of TPO-Ab in patients from the Kyiv region was 81.21 ± 19.41 IU/ml and in women from the Lviv region it was 38.41 ± 5.97 IU/ml (р < 0,05). When analyzing carbohydrate metabolism, no significant changes were found between the levels of glycated hemoglobin in the examined women of Kyiv and Lviv regions, 5.81 ± 0.09 % and 5.66 ± 0.04 %, respectively (р > 0.05). Some women showed a slight increase in glycated hemoglobin over 5.6 %, which did not reach the level of 6.5 %. This group of examinees were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and is characterized by the term “prediabetes”. Regarding lipid metabolism, we found no significant changes in the level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Conclusions. The conducted observation revealed differences in TSH, TPO-Ab indicators in healthy women living in Lviv and Kyiv regions. We can assume that the obtained results of Lviv region reflect the problems of the endemic zone of the Western regions of Ukraine. In turn, significantly higher levels of TPO-Ab among residents of Kyiv region are most likely a consequence of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which can still affect the health of the population of this region.