Significance of antibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroperoxidase as markers for the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract

Thyroid gland lesions occupy a significant place in the group of autoimmune diseases. The most widespread lesion is autoimmune thyroiditis, also called Hashimoto's goiter after the Japanese scientist who first described this pathological process. According to some authors, autoimmune thyroiditis occurs in approximately 3–4 % of the population in the Russian Federation. Most often thyroid tissue lesion is observed in patients prone to the development of other autoimmune diseases. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by the presence of high titers of antibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroperoxidase in 95 % of all cases. Constant inhibition of microsomal peroxidase by thyroperoxidase antibodies contributes to a decrease in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, resulting in the development of hypothyroidism. One of the leading diagnostic markers that make it possible to suspect the development of thyroiditis are antibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroperoxidase, which are specific immunoglobulins whose action is directed against the enzyme responsible for the formation of the active form of iodine. The damaging effect of these antibodies on biochemical structures, leading to a disruption in the production of thyroid hormones and the development of chronic autoimmune pathology of this organ, has been proven. A direct consequence of autoimmune thyroiditis is the development of a condition in which there is a decrease in the concentration of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Hypothyroidism itself does not pose a direct danger to life, but can significantly reduce its quality, since thyroid hormones are actively involved in tissue metabolism processes, including oxygen metabolism.