Analysis of Interleukin-17, Interleukin-23, neopterin and Nesfatin-1 levels in the sera of Hashimoto patients

Background: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland and may present as goiter or atrophic thyroiditis that may result in various metabolic and inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-23, neopterin, and nesfatin-1 parameters in HT patients and to evaluate the possible relationship among these parameters. Methods: 90 HT patients and 30 healthy individuals were included in this study. Demographic data of the patients included in the study were recorded and detailed physical examinations were performed. IL-17, IL-23, neopterin, and nesfatin-1 levels were measured in the serum samples of the participants by the ELISA method. Results: Serum IL-17, IL-23, neopterin, levels were significantly higher and nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in the HT group compared to the control group. Statistically significant differences were observed between all the groups except euthyroid HT versus HT treated with levothyroxine for nesfatin-1 at the 0.05 level. Conclusion: IL-17, IL-23, and neopterin were involved in the etiopathogenesis of HT. Weight gain in HT may due to low nesfatin-1 level rather than throid hormone deficiency. These variables could be used as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and fellow up of HT disease.