Serum leptin levels and GHR-d3/fl gene polymorphism in acromegalic patients with thyroid nodules

Background. Acromegaly is a rare and serious syndrome that is commonly associated with pituitary neoplasms. Thyroid multinodular disease is a common finding in acromegaly. Leptin is a polypeptide hormone, and studies have shown that it can increase cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. Objectives. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of serum leptin levels with certain blood parameters and determine if growth hormone receptor (GHR)-d3/fl gene polymorphism is associated with thyroid nodules in acromegalic patients. Material and methods. A total of 24 acromegalic patients with or without thyroid nodules were included in the study. Gene polymorphisms and blood parameters were examined. Results. A marked increase was observed in serum leptin concentration in acromegalic patients with thyroid nodules compared to patients without them (p < 0.05). GH levels were lower in patients without nodules than in patients with nodules (p < 0.05). Blood glucose levels were higher in patients with nodules compared to those without them (p < 0.05), and the presence of thyroid nodules was associated with decreased blood low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to patients without nodules (p < 0.05). A significant relationship was observed between growth hormone receptor (GHR)-d3/fl gene polymorphism and leptin levels in acromegalic patients with thyroid nodules (p < 0.001). Conclusions. These data from acromegalic patients indicate that thyroid nodules are associated with increased serum leptin, GH and blood glucose levels and with decreased LDL levels. GHR-d3/fl gene polymorphism status was strongly related to higher leptin levels.