Serum markers of bone metabolism in feline hyperthyroidism

The effect of experimental hyperthyroidism (150mg kg-1 d-1 42d-1 levothyroxine) on markers of bone metabolism was studied in fourteen shorthair intact cats, nine females and five males, from 1 to 3 years of age. Total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (FT4), carboxi-terminal telopeptides of collagen type I (ICTP) (measured by radioimmunoassay), osteocalcin (OC) (measured by immunoradiometric assay) and bone mineral density (DMO) (measured by the optic densitometria) were evaluated. Serum concentrations of OC were significantly different (P<0.05) between all four moments (before the induction, 14, 28 and 42 days). The DMO presented significant difference (P<0.05) at the 14 days in comparison to the initial moment. Bone remodeling was probably caused by the hyperthyroid state, since both OC and ICTP presented strong positive correlation with TT4 and a little lowerth FT4. The FT4 concentrations did not present positive correlation with ICTP, except at 28 days. Correlation between markers of bone metabolism and the bone mineral density was low in all the moments. High correlation was observed between thyroid hormones and markers of bone metabolism. In conclusion, this excess of thyroid hormones in cats may cause an increase of bone remodeling. Moreover, thyrotoxicosis in this study was not enough to raise the serum levels of ICTP, suggesting no predominance of osteoblastic activity in these early stages. The experimental hyperthyroidism was also associated to the reduction of bone DMO, however OC and ICTP levels demonstrated low correlation with this variable.

hyperthyroidism; bone metabolism markers; cats