TRANSLATIONAL AND CLINICAL MEDICINE - Georgian Medical Journal

Background: Structural disorder of the thyroid gland is  a common endocrine problem. Several factors can contribute to the development of thyroid nodules. Vitamin D deficiency is also a widespread problem. It is a hormone, that  regulates multiple signaling pathways involved in cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis.  The aim of our research was  to determine an association between thyroid structural changes and vitamin D status in male patients in Georgia. As far as we know, this is the first research in this field in Georgia.

Methods: This retrospective study enrolled male patients, who were 18–70 years old and visited the private clinics in 2018 or in 2019 from midspring to mid-summer. Data of  the  serum 25(OH)D level and thyroid ultrasound characteristics was statistically analysed.

Results: From total study group 9.6% had enlarged thyroid. The vitamin D level was low in both groups (patients with normal and increased volume of thyroid gland), but not statistically significant (P =0.714).  Heterogenous parenchyma was found in 67.3 % cases. The vitamin D level was low in both groups (normal and heterogenous parenchyma groups), but not statistically significant (P = 0.536). 13.5% of patients had nodular- and 11,5 % had multinodular goiter. The association between number of thyroid nodules and vitamin D levels was not statistically significant (P =0.479). There was also no association between the size of the largest nodule and vitamin D level (P =0.768). From total study group only 7% had normal vitamin D levels.

Conclusions: Any association between structural changes of thyroid glands and vitamin D levels in men was not found.

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