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Assessment of Serum Fucose, Protein-Bound Fucose, and Lipid-Associated Fucose in Primary Hypothyroidism

Resa Sarbast Faesal
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Health Science, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Rezan Majeed Omer
Department of Basic Science, College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
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Copyright (c) 2026 Resa Sarbast Faesal , Rezan Majeed Omer (Author)

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Abstract

Background and objective: Primary hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder marked by reduced production of thyroid hormones, which disrupts metabolic homeostasis and may influence glycosylation. Fucosylation, a type of glycosylation, is required for immune system function and cell communication. Serum levels of Total Fucose (TF), Protein-Bound Fucose (PBF), and Lipid-Associated Fucose (LAF) have been observed to change in various diseases, but their role in primary hypothyroidism is unclear. This study evaluated serum TF, PBF, and LAF levels in patients with primary hypothyroidism to determine whether they could support diagnosis.

Methods: This case-control study included individuals diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism and matched healthy controls. Serum levels of TF, PBF, and LAF were measured spectrophotometrically. Thyroid function tests (TSH, FT3, and FT4) were also evaluated. Statistical comparisons, Pearson correlation analyses, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess diagnostic utility.

Results: Significantly elevated levels of TF (33.86 ± 2.82 vs. 17.90 ± 1.61 mg/dL), PBF (12.97 ± 1.47 vs. 8.50 ± 1.10 mg/dL), and LAF (4.11 ± 0.13 vs. 2.69 ± 0.37 mg/dL) were observed in the hypothyroid group compared with controls (p <0.0001 for all). TF, PBF, and LAF showed strong positive correlations with TSH and strong negative correlations with FT3 and FT4. ROC curve analysis revealed excellent diagnostic performance for all three parameters.

Conclusion: Serum TF, PBF, and LAF are significantly elevated in primary hypothyroidism patients (n=50) compared with healthy controls (n=50) and strongly correlate with thyroid hormone levels. These markers demonstrate excellent diagnostic accuracy and may serve as diagnostic markers in primary hypothyroidism.

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How to Cite
Sarbast Faesal , R. ., & Majeed Omer, R. . (2026). Assessment of Serum Fucose, Protein-Bound Fucose, and Lipid-Associated Fucose in Primary Hypothyroidism. Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences (ZJMS), 722–729. https://doi.org/10.15218/zjms.2026.051

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