Serum concentrations of interleukin-17A but not interleukin-17F are elevated in children with recent-onset Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Abstract

Background: Recent advances in immunology suggest that T-helper 17 lymphocytes (Th17) have a major role in the disrupted autoimmunity in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). However, there are no data on the Th17 characteristics, especially regarding the dominant interleukins (ILs) that they produce in children with HT. Material and Methods: With an aim to determine the role of two major Th17 cytokines in children with HT, we measured serum concentrations of IL-17A and IL-17F in 40 children with recent-onset HT and 40 age- and sex-matched controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum IL-17A concentrations were significantly higher in children with HT when compared to controls (3.39 ± 6.93 pg/mL vs. 0.12 ± 0.47 pg/mL, P = 0.00). However, the IL-17F concentrations were similar in patients and the controls (11.12 ± 15.34 pg/mL vs. 9.68 ± 12.87 pg/mL, P = 0.65). Conclusions: The elevated concentrations of IL-17A, one of the major effector cytokines of the Th17 system, suggest its possible role in the pathogenesis of HT in children.