Potential diagnostic role of serum asprosin in Graves’ disease with subgroup analysis of subclinical hyperthyroidism: A Case–Control Study
Abstract
Background
Asprosin is a recently identified adipokine predominantly released by white adipose tissue and plays a role in gluconeogenesis during fasting. Evidence indicates that adipokines may be involved in endocrine and metabolic control; however, their significance in thyroid dysfunction is still unclear.
Objective
This study aimed to assess circulating asprosin levels in patients with Graves' disease (GD) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH), as well as determine its potential diagnostic use as a biomarker for thyroid disorders.
Methods
This age-, sex-, and BMI-matched case–control study included 40 patients with Graves’ disease (GD), 40 with subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH), and 80 healthy controls aged 22–59 years. Serum levels of asprosin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb), and lipid profile parameters were measured using standardized automated assays.
Results
Serum asprosin levels were significantly lower in patients with Graves’ disease and subclinical hyperthyroidism compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001 for both). Both GD and SCH groups also exhibited significantly reduced levels of TSH and lipid profile parameters, alongside significantly elevated total T4 and TRAb levels (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Reduced serum asprosin in Graves’ disease may reflect hyperthyroidism-related metabolic changes and could serve as a potential biomarker, pending further research.
© 2026 Sajjad Kadhim Ashour, Mohammed Imran Hamzah, Mahmood Shakir Khudhair, published by University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.