Serum Asprosin Levels in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Asprosin is an orexigenic hormone secreted by adipose tissue, known to stimulate appetite. This study aimed to explore the relationship between appetite reduction, a commonly observed symptom in hypothyroidism, and serum asprosin levels, while also investigating potential metabolic implications beyond appetite regulation.We compared serum asprosin levels in 28 patients with hypothyroidism secondary to newly diagnosed Hashimoto's thyroiditis and 16 healthy controls. Additionally, serum asprosin levels were reassessed after patients achieved a euthyroid state following levothyroxine treatment, to evaluate any potential changes in relation to thyroid hormone normalization.There was no significant difference in serum asprosin levels between hypothyroid patients and healthy controls. No statistically significant difference was found between serum asprosin levels and thyroid function status. The serum asprosin levels were 4.8 ± 1.2 ng/mL in the hypothyroid group and 4.9 ± 1.1 ng/mL in the euthyroid group (p = 0.89). Furthermore, no significant change in asprosin levels was observed following levothyroxine treatment, compared to pre-treatment levels, suggesting that asprosin levels are not directly influenced by thyroid function.Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, is typically low in hypothyroid patients, contributing to reduced appetite. However, our study did not observe a similar decrease in asprosin levels in these patients. This suggests that, unlike ghrelin, asprosin may not be significantly affected by hypothyroidism or its treatment. Additionally, the lack of change in asprosin levels after treatment raises questions about its role in broader metabolic processes, beyond appetite regulation.The findings suggest no significant relationship between hypothyroidism and serum asprosin levels, indicating that asprosin may not play a central role in appetite reduction in hypothyroid patients.