Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Predicts Total Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction during the Acute Phase of COVID-19

A complex dysregulation of lipid metabolism occurs in COVID-19, leading to reduced total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, along with a derangement of thyroid function, leading to reduced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. This study aimed to explore the association between TSH levels during COVID-19 and the variation (Delta) of lipid profile parameters in the period preceding (from 1 month up to 1 year) hospital admission due to COVID-19. Clinical data of 324 patients (mean age 76 +/- 15 years, 54% males) hospitalized due to COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The association between TSH levels at hospital admission and either Delta-TC, Delta-LDL-C, or Delta-HDL-C over the selected time frame was assessed through univariable and multivariable analyses. TSH levels were below the lower reference limit of 0.340 mu UI/mL in 14% of COVID-19 patients. A significant reduction of plasma TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C was recorded between the two time points (p < 0.001 for all the comparisons). TSH was directly associated with Delta-TC (rho = 0.193, p = 0.001), Delta-LDL-C (rho = 0.201, p = 0.001), and Delta-HDL-C (rho = 0.160, p = 0.008), and inversely associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) (rho = -0.175, p = 0.004). Moreover, TSH decreased with increasing COVID-19 severity (p < 0.001). CRP and COVID-19 severity were inversely associated with Delta-TC, Delta-LDL-C, and Delta-HDL-C (p < 0.05 for all associations). A significant independent association was found between TSH and either Delta-TC (beta = 0.125, p = 0.044) or Delta-LDL-C (beta = 0.131, p = 0.036) after adjusting for multiple confounders including CRP and COVID-19 severity. In conclusion, lower levels of TSH may contribute to explain TC and LDL-C reduction in the acute phase of COVID-19.

Automated summary

COVID-19 leads to dysregulation of lipid metabolism, resulting in lower TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels, as well as reduced TSH levels. This study explores the association between TSH levels and changes in lipid profile parameters during COVID-19. The results show a positive correlation between TSH and Delta-TC, Delta-LDL-C, and Delta-HDL-C, as well as a negative correlation with CRP. Additionally, TSH decreases with increasing COVID-19 severity. After adjusting for confounders, an independent association is found between TSH and Delta-TC, as well as Delta-LDL-C.