Effects of roxadustat on thyroid hormone levels and blood lipid metabolism in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a retrospective study.

Background: Roxadustat is commonly used to treat renal anemia. However, the potential effects of roxadustat on metabolism and organs other than the kidneys have recently attracted increased attention. Objective: This study aimed to examine the regulatory effects of roxadustat on thyroid hormones and blood lipid metabolism in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Eighty ESKD patients on hemodialysis and taking roxadustat were enrolled. Hemoglobin, thyroid hormones (TSH, FT3, FT4), and blood lipid profiles (TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C) were assessed before and after treatment. Changes in these parameters were compared, and relevant causative factors were analyzed. Results: Roxadustat significantly increased Hb, lowered TSH, FT4, TC, and LDL-C levels (all P<0.001). Patients were categorized into three groups based on post-treatment TSH inhibition percentage: Q1(≥70%), Q2(30%-70%), Q3(≤30%). Pre-treatment TSH decreased with reduced TSH inhibition (P<0.05). Post-treatment, TC, LDL-C, TSH, FT3, and FT4 increased with reduced TSH inhibition (all P<0.05).TC and LDL-C significantly decreased post-treatment in Q1 and Q2 (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between ΔTSH and pre-treatment TSH levels (r=0.732, P<0.001). The proportion of patients with ≥70% TSH inhibition increased with higher pre-treatment TSH levels (P for trend <0.05). ΔLDL-C and ΔTSH were positively correlated (r=0.278, P<0.05), with ΔTSH identified as an influencing factor in multiple linear regression (β=0.133, 95% CI [0.042, 0.223], P<0.05). Conclusion: Roxadustat effectively improves anemia in ESKD patients while inhibiting TSH and FT4 secretion and reducing TC and LDL-C levels. Decreases in TSH levels correlate with baseline TSH levels, and lowered blood lipid levels are associated with decreased TSH levels.