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Highlights • There is a possible association between Epstein–Barr virus infection and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. • The significant relation between anti TPO titer and serum EBNA-1 IgG levels in healthy control subjects may suggest a possible association between EBV and thyroid autoimmunity. • The serological EBV status did not differ in patients with euthyroid versus hypothyroid HT., Background Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is now considered one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of different types of EBV antibodies in patients with HT in comparison to healthy controls, and to detect any correlation between EBV serological markers and different laboratory findings in HT patients. Subjects & methods This case-control study was conducted on 120 subjects divided into two groups: Sixty patients with HT (patients group), and sixty age and sex matched healthy volunteers (control group). All the participants were subjected to: Thyroid ultrasound, laboratory assessment including: Serum thyroid -stimulating hormone (TSH), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-TG Ab). Four types of EBV antibodies (VCA IgM, VCA IgG, EA IgG, and EBNA-1IgG) were measured in serum using ELISA. Results The mean serum levels of EBV VCA IgG and EA IgG were significantly higher in HT patients group in comparison to control group. In euthyroid HT patients, a significant positive correlation was observed between the age and EBV EA IgG. While in hypothyroid HT patients, a significant positive correlation between thyroid isthmus and EBNA-1IgG was observed. A significant negative correlation was found between the serum FT3 and EBNA-1IgG and a significant positive correlation was observed between serum TSH and EBV VCA IgG. Conclusions The high serum levels of EBV VCA IgG and EBV EA IgG in patients with HT suggest a possible association between EBV and HT.

Aim: To study the relationship between obesity, insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency and sclerostin as a bone biomarker. Materials and methods: Cross-section study of 75 subjects grouped into 3 groups; obese (n = 31), overweight (n = 23) and normal (n = 21) subjects. Sclerostin, fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose and 25(OH)D were measured and anthropometric measures were taken. Results: 25(OH)D was lower in obese subjects than overweight and control groups (mean ± SD 5.27 ± 5.14 vs. 12.55 ± 6.99 vs.17.65 ± 4.07 ng/L, p