FOXP3 and IL-10 overexpression: A novel diagnostic biomarker in Iraqi patients having hyperthyroidism treated with radioactive iodine

Abstract

BackgroundThyroid gland diseases are public health problem worldwide. Further studies are still needed to investigate novel markers for prognosis of thyroid glands after internal radiation exposure. MethodologyqPCR was used to quantitatively determine the expression of FOXP3 and IL-10 transcripts in human whole blood samples of hyperthyroidism and normal health control individuals. ResultsLow level of FOXP3 gene expression (P < 0.01) observed in blood samples of Graves' disease and toxic multinodular goiter patients in comparison to the normal healthy control individuals. Results showed that FOXP3 gene expression increased significantly (P < 0.01) after one and four months of treatment with two doses of RAI-131 (10 and 20 mCi respectively). In contrast, high expression of IL-10 observed in Graves' disease patients, it increased significantly (P < 0.01) after one month of treatment, while it decreased significantly after four months of treatment. There was a significant correlation (P < 0.01) between FOXP3 and IL-10 gene expression before and after one month of treatment with RAI-131 (r = 0.152, and 0.446, respectively). ConclusionFOXP3 and IL-10 gene expression levels in patients having Hyperthyroidism might be effective diagnostic biomarker. The increase in IL-10 and FOXP3 after radiotherapy enhances immunological response of T cell and immune system. It optimizes the opportunity of detection and remission of autoimmune thyroid disease.