TyG-BMI Index Positively Correlates with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Risk in Chinese Cohort
Overview
This retrospective study found a positive dose-response association between the triglyceride-glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) and the odds of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in a Chinese population. The TyG-BMI index demonstrated superior diagnostic performance compared to BMI alone, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive marker for PTC risk stratification.
Background
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid cancer subtype, with rising incidence globally, particularly in East Asia. Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are implicated in PTC pathogenesis. The TyG-BMI index, combining triglyceride-glucose and body mass index measures, is an emerging surrogate marker for metabolic syndrome and has been linked to various cancers. However, its relationship with PTC risk had not been previously explored in the Chinese population.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Value
Statistical Significance
Sample Size
538 (213 thyroid nodule, 325 PTC)
Odds Ratio per 1-unit TyG-BMI increase
1.02
P < 0.001
Odds Ratio (TyG-BMI > median)
1.79 (95% CI: 1.13-2.83)
P = 0.013 (Holm-Bonferroni corrected)
Area Under Curve (AUC) for TyG-BMI
0.64
Area Under Curve (AUC) for BMI alone
0.61
Key Findings
TyG-BMI index is positively correlated with the odds of papillary thyroid carcinoma in a dose-response manner.
Each 1-unit increase in TyG-BMI corresponds to an approximate 2% increase in PTC odds (OR=1.02, P<0.001).
Individuals with TyG-BMI above the median have a 79% higher odds of PTC compared to those below the median (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.13-2.83).
The association remains statistically significant after Holm-Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.
TyG-BMI demonstrates better diagnostic accuracy for PTC (AUC=0.64) than BMI alone (AUC=0.61).
This study fills a research gap by linking TyG-BMI with PTC risk in a Chinese cohort.
Clinical Implications
The TyG-BMI index may serve as a practical, non-invasive biomarker to identify individuals at higher risk for papillary thyroid carcinoma, aiding early detection and risk stratification. Incorporating TyG-BMI assessment into clinical evaluation could improve screening strategies, especially in populations with rising PTC incidence. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and integrate TyG-BMI into routine clinical practice.
Conclusion
An increased TyG-BMI index is associated with a higher likelihood of papillary thyroid carcinoma in the Chinese population. This index holds promise as a useful marker for PTC risk assessment, pending confirmation by larger studies.
References
Association of Triglyceride-Glucose-Body Mass Index with the Risk of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Chinese Cohort: A Retrospective Analysis
