Influence of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle factors on thyroid nodules in Chinese adult men: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Given the high prevalence of thyroid nodules and the potential for malignancy, it is imperative to understand the various factors that contribute to their development. This study aimed to explore the relationship between metabolic syndrome, lifestyle, and thyroid nodules in adult men in southern China. Method: This study enrolled a total of 183, 990 subjects at a medical examination center in a general hospital in southern China between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome, lifestyle factors and thyroid nodules. Furthermore, structural equation modeling (SEM) elucidated the intricate relationships among these variables. Result: The prevalence of thyroid nodules among Chinese adult males was 14.9%. Several factors were identified as risk factors for thyroid nodules, including advanced age, irregular meal time, smoking or quitting smoking, quitting drinking, heavier manual labor, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and centripetal obesity. And, belonging to ethnic minorities and drinking alcohol were found to be protective factors against thyroid nodules. Structural equation modeling highlighted metabolic syndrome's mediating role amidst lifestyle influences on thyroid nodules. Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid nodules in Chinese adult males is relatively moderate to low. The factors identified in this study can help clinicians identify high-risk patients and develop targeted screening strategies for the timely detection of thyroid nodules. However, further mechanistic research and longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the underlying causes and establish causal relationships.

Machine learning to predict the occurrence of thyroid nodules: towards a quantitative approach for judicious utilization of thyroid ultrasonography

“…Evidence suggests that older adults are more likely to develop thyroid malignancies of high-risk histology, highlighting the need of early detection of thyroid nodules ( 26 ). Secondly, there is a noted prevalence of thyroid nodules in individuals with metabolic disorders like diabetes and hyperlipidemia ( 51 , 52 ), which is corroborated by the identification of FBG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides as critical predictors in this study. The prevailing theory suggests that metabolic disorders could promote thyroid cell growth through interactions between insulin and thyroid stimulating hormone ( 53 , 54 ).…”

Establishment and validation of a multivariate logistic model for risk factors of thyroid nodules using lasso regression screening

“…With the improvement of living standards, the nutritional structure of the population has significantly changed. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity, are associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome ( 16 , 17 ). The research by Cuneyd Anil et al.…”