The effect of thyroid dysfunction on nesfatin-1 and adiponectin levels in rats

Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations may affect adiponectin concentrations through various mechanisms. A molecule released primarily from the fat cells adiposities; adiponectin has important effects on the regulation of body weight. The present study aimed to explore the effects of experimental thyroid dysfunction and its treatment on nesfatin-1 and adiponectin levels in rats. The study included 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats which were grouped as follows: (1) control; (2) hypothyroidism [hypothyroidism was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg/day propylthiouracil (PTU) for 3 weeks]; (3) hypothyroidism + thyroxine group [after hypothyroidism was induced by 2-week PTU injection, they were treated with high-dose L-thyroxine (1.5 mg/kg/day) for 1 week]; (4) hyperthyroidism [hyperthyroidism was induced by 3-weeks' thyroxine injection (0.3 mg/kg/day)]; (5) hyperthyroidism + PTU (after hyperthyroidism was induced by 2-weeks' thyroxine injection, the animals were given 10 mg/kg/day PTU for 1 week). Blood samples taken at the end of the study were analyzed to measure nesfatin-1 and adiponectin levels. It was found that nesfatin-1 levels increased in hypothyroidism, while adiponectin levels decreased (p < 0.001). In experimental hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, both nesfatin-1 and adiponectin levels were found significantly elevated (p < 0.001). The results of the study indicate that nesfatin-1 and adiponectin levels were modified considerably in hypo- and hyperthyroidism, whereas with the restoration of the thyroid function, modified hormone levels went back to normal.