The Relationship Between Vitamin D Levels and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Ligand in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Abstract

Aim: In order to analyze the relationship of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with vitamin D and osteoclastogenic markers, we investigated vitamin D, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor ligand (RANKL) levels in patients over 60 years with and without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Methods: Eighty three female patients (49 with and 34 without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), who attended the endocrinology and geriatrics departments between May 2013 and October 2013 were included in the study. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of vitamin D, OPG and RANKL between the groups. Vitamin D was significantly correlated with OPG and RANKL in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In addition, a significant relationship was found between OPG and RANKL levels. Of the patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, 33 were autoantibody-positive and 16 were negative. Vitamin D, OPG and RANKL levels were significantly lower in antibody-positive patients than in negative subjects. Conclucion: There were no differences in vitamin D, OPG and RANKL levels between patients with and without Hashimoto’s thyroidits. Autoantibody-positive Hashimoto’s thyroiditis group had statistically significantly lower vitamin D, OPG and RANKL levels. This reverse correlation suggests that autoantibodies may have an effect on osteoclastogenesis.

Keywords

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• vitamin D
• receptor activator of nuclear factor ligand