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1.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(5): e2213777120, 2023 01 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36693106

ABSTRACT

The accrual of cytosolic DNA leads to transcription of type I IFNs, proteolytic maturation of the IL-1 family of cytokines, and pyroptotic cell death. Caspase-1 cleaves pro-IL1Ɵ to generate mature bioactive cytokine and gasdermin D which facilitates IL-1 release and pyroptotic cell death. Absent in melanoma-2 (AIM2) is a sensor of dsDNA leading to caspase-1 activation, although in human monocytes, cGAS-STING acting upstream of NLRP3 mediates the dsDNA-activated inflammasome response. In healthy human keratinocytes, AIM2 is not expressed yet caspase-1 is activated by the synthetic dsDNA mimetic poly(dA:dT). Here, we show that this response is not mediated by either AIM2 or the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 pathway and is instead dependent on NLRP1. Poly(dA:dT) is unique in its ability to activate NLRP1, as conventional linear dsDNAs fail to elicit NLRP1 activation. DsRNA was recently shown to activate NLRP1 and prior work has shown that poly(dA:dT) is transcribed into an RNA intermediate that stimulates the RNA sensor RIG-I. However, poly(dA:dT)-dependent RNA intermediates are insufficient to activate NLRP1. Instead, poly(dA:dT) results in oxidative nucleic acid damage and cellular stress, events which activate MAP3 kinases including ZAKα that converge on p38 to activate NLRP1. Collectively, this work defines a new activator of NLRP1, broadening our understanding of sensors that recognize poly(dA:dT) and advances the understanding of the immunostimulatory potential of this potent adjuvant.


Subject(s)
Inflammasomes , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein , Humans , Inflammasomes/metabolism , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , DNA/metabolism , Caspase 1/metabolism , RNA/metabolism , Keratinocytes/metabolism , Interleukin-1/metabolism , NLR Proteins/metabolism
2.
J Clin Immunol ; 45(1): 33, 2024 Oct 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39453496

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Newborn screening using dried blood spot (DBS) samples for the targeted measurement of metabolites and nucleic acids has made a substantial contribution to public healthcare by facilitating the detection of neonates with genetic disorders. Here, we investigated the applicability of non-targeted quantitative proteomics analysis to newborn screening for inborn errors of immunity (IEIs). METHODS: DBS samples from 40 healthy newborns and eight healthy adults were subjected to non-targeted proteomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry after removal of the hydrophilic fraction. Subsequently, DBS samples from 43 IEI patients were analyzed to determine whether patients can be identified by reduced expression of disease-associated proteins. RESULTS: DBS protein profiling allowed monitoring of levels of proteins encoded by 2912 genes, including 1110 listed in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database, in healthy newborn samples, and was useful in identifying patients with IEIs by detecting reduced levels of disease causative proteins and their interacting proteins, as well as cell-phenotypical alterations. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that non-targeted quantitative protein profiling of DBS samples can be used to identify patients with IEIs and develop a novel newborn screening platform for genetic disorders.


Subject(s)
Dried Blood Spot Testing , Neonatal Screening , Proteomics , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Neonatal Screening/methods , Proteomics/methods , Dried Blood Spot Testing/methods , Male , Female , Proteome , Adult , Chromatography, Liquid
3.
Mol Ther ; 30(8): 2709-2721, 2022 08 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35477658

ABSTRACT

Aberrant activation of interferon (IFN)-ƎĀ³ signaling plays a key role in several autoimmune skin diseases, including lupus erythematosus, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and lichen planus. Here, we identify fully chemically modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that silence the ligand binding chain of the IFN-ƎĀ³ receptor (IFNGR1), for the modulation of IFN-ƎĀ³ signaling. Conjugating these siRNAs to docosanoic acid (DCA) enables productive delivery to all major skin cell types local to the injection site, with a single dose of injection supporting effective IFNGR1 protein reduction for at least 1Ā month in mice. In an exĀ vivo model of IFN-ƎĀ³ signaling, DCA-siRNA efficiently inhibits the induction of IFN-ƎĀ³-inducible chemokines, CXCL9 and CXCL10, in skin biopsies from the injection site.Ā Our data demonstrate that DCA-siRNAs can be engineered for functional gene silencing in skin and establish a path toward siRNA treatment of autoimmune skin diseases.


Subject(s)
Chemokine CXCL10 , Skin Diseases , Animals , Chemokine CXCL10/genetics , Chemokine CXCL10/metabolism , Interferon-gamma/metabolism , Mice , RNA Interference , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
4.
Endocr J ; 70(2): 207-222, 2023 Feb 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36351595

ABSTRACT

The diagnosis of painless thyroiditis (PT) during antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment of Graves' disease (GD) is difficult. We evaluated the thyroidal radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) in 100 patients with relapsed thyrotoxicosis during or after careful ATD treatment. The RAIU was <5%/5 h in 35 patients (35%) (Group A - PT), 5%-15%/5 h in 6 patients (6%) (Group B - indefinite) and >15%/5 h in 59 patients (59%) (Group C - relapsed GD [rGD]). TSH receptor antibody (TBII) was positive in 4 (11.4%), 3 (50.0%) and 39 (only 66.1%) patients in Groups A, B and C, respectively. In Group A, the serum fT4 level spontaneously normalized after 35 (26-56) days, sometimes followed by transient hypothyroidism, confirming the diagnosis of PT. Nineteen (54.3%) had been treated with potassium iodide, and PT frequently occurred ironically when the ATD dosage was reduced. PT repeatedly occurred in nine patients. All went into remission smoothly or developed hypothyroidism, except one patient with strongly positive TBII who developed rGD after the resolution of PT (PT on GD). In 10 (50%) of 20 patients with negative TBII despite rGD in Group C, TBII became positive afterwards. In conclusion, it is important to recognize that PT can occur in the clinical course of GD, resulting in frequent remission despite relapse of PT. The thyroid function reflects the balance between the stimulating TBII activity and the responsiveness of the thyroid tissue (sometimes unresponsive and other times autostimulated). The RAIU is still a valuable tool in cases of ambiguous thyrotoxicosis.


Subject(s)
Graves Disease , Hyperthyroidism , Hypothyroidism , Thyroid Neoplasms , Thyroiditis , Thyrotoxicosis , Humans , Potassium Iodide/therapeutic use , Iodine Radioisotopes/therapeutic use , Thyroid Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Graves Disease/diagnosis , Immunoglobulins, Thyroid-Stimulating , Thyroiditis/diagnosis , Antithyroid Agents/therapeutic use , Hypothyroidism/drug therapy , Oligopeptides , Autoantibodies
5.
Endocr J ; 69(8): 983-997, 2022 Aug 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35321988

ABSTRACT

The effectiveness of potassium iodide (KI) (100 mg/day) was evaluated in 504 untreated patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism (GD). Initial response to KI within 180 days, the effect of additional methylmercaptoimidazole (MMI) or radioactive iodine (RI) in resistant or escaped patients, and long-term prognosis were evaluated. Serum fT4 levels became low or normal in 422 patients (83.7%, KI-sensitive group) without serious side effects. Among these patients, serum TSH levels became high (n = 92, hypothyroid) or normal (n = 78) in 170 patients (33.7%) (KI-sensitive with a recovered TSH response, Group A), but remained suppressed in 252 patients (50.0%) (KI-sensitive with TSH suppression, Group B). Serum fT4 levels decreased but remained high in 82 patients (16.3%) (KI-resistant, Group C). Older patients, or those with small goiter and mild GD were more KI-sensitive with a recovered TSH response than others. Escape from KI effect occurred in 0%, 36% and 82% in Group A, B and C, respectively. Patients in Group B and C were successfully treated with additional low-dosage MMI or RI. After 2-23 years' treatment (n = 429), remission (including possible remission) and spontaneous hypothyroidism were significantly more frequent in Group A (74.3% and 11.1%, respectively,) than in Groups B (46.3% and 2.8%, respectively) or C (53.6% and 1.5%, respectively) (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, a high KI sensitivity with a recovered TSH response was observed in about a third of the patients in GD associated with a better prognosis. Additional MMI or RI therapy was effective in escaped or KI-resistant patients with suppressed TSH level.


Subject(s)
Graves Disease , Hyperthyroidism , Hypothyroidism , Thyroid Neoplasms , Antithyroid Agents , Humans , Iodides , Iodine Radioisotopes , Methimazole , Potassium Iodide , Thyrotropin
6.
Endocr J ; 69(2): 173-177, 2022 Feb 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34544941

ABSTRACT

A 28-year-old Japanese woman positive for TSH receptor antibody and anti-nuclear antibody complained of difficulty seeing nearby objects, severe throbbing retro-orbital pain, diplopia, blepharoptosis and upward gaze palsy when she became hypothyroid during treatment with 30 mg methylmercaptoimidazole for Graves' hyperthyroidism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed slightly swollen bilateral inferior rectus muscles, suggesting the external ophthalmoplegia due to the muscle pathology commonly encountered in Graves' disease. The retro-orbital pain was associated with marked accommodation failure and the pupillary abnormalities. The left and/or right eye showed intermittent, asymmetric and fluctuating mydriasis, being unresponsive to ordinary light but slowly responsive to strong sunlight and slowly responsive in a dark room. During the 5-year period, mydriasis was observed 9 times on both sides, 11 times only on the right side and 4 times only on the left side. Internal ophthalmoplegia with tonic pupils and accommodation failure affecting both the pupillary sphincter muscle and ciliary muscle due to damage to the parasympathetic outflow to these muscles was suggested. Autoimmune mechanism and/or the mechanism underlying channelopathy affecting the ciliary ganglion or short ciliary nerves might be responsible for this fluctuating complication. This very rare panophthalmopathy affecting both external and internal muscles occurred when the patient was suffering from iatrogenic hypothyroidism during the 30 mg methylmercaptimidazole treatment for Graves' disease.


Subject(s)
Graves Disease , Graves Ophthalmopathy , Ophthalmoplegia , Adult , Female , Graves Disease/complications , Graves Disease/drug therapy , Graves Ophthalmopathy/pathology , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Methimazole , Ophthalmoplegia/drug therapy , Ophthalmoplegia/etiology
7.
Am J Nephrol ; 51(12): 988-994, 2021 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33524972

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To elucidate the role of hemodilution in the alteration of thyroid hormone levels in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), we compared thyroid function before and after hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Twenty-three male ESRD patients (age <65 years) with either chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) or diabetic nephropathy (DN), who were enrolled between June 2019 and August 2019, were included in the study. The free thyroxine (fT4), free tri-iodothyronine (fT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), and thyroglobulin (Tg), measured before and after HD in 12 patients with CGN (48.7 Ā± 11.8 years [mean Ā± standard deviation]) and 11 patients with DN (57.6 Ā± 6.5 years), were compared with 45 healthy controls (52.5 Ā± 11.9 years). RESULTS: The fT4, fT3, and TBG were significantly low before HD and increased in parallel with an increase in hematocrit and albumin after HD in both ESRD subgroups. The TSH was high before HD and decreased significantly after HD, while Tg remained almost unchanged. In DN, the fT4 levels were nearly identical, while fT3 was lower with slightly higher TSH, compared with CGN. The TSH/fT4 ratios before HD were significantly higher in both subgroups, and the fT3/fT4 ratios after HD were significantly lower in DN than the control. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the low fT4 and fT3 levels found in ESRD are due to hemodilution before HD, resulting in a slightly higher TSH level but almost unchanged Tg level, and that DN is associated with decreased T4-to-T3 conversion.

8.
Endocr J ; 67(7): 751-758, 2020 Jul 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32238669

ABSTRACT

The treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism (GD) complicated with malignancy is challenging, as anti-thyroid thionamide drugs (ATDs) and anti-cancer chemotherapy are both associated with a risk of neutropenia. Treatment with conventional ATDs, radioactive iodine (RAI) or potassium iodide (KI) was attempted in 8 patients with malignancy (34-80 years of age; 2 males and 6 females) in whom GD had been fortuitously diagnosed during a detailed systematic examination. Three patients requiring surgery were initially treated conventionally with methylmercaptoimidazole (MMI), MMI and KI or RAI (group A; one patient each). The patients became euthyroid on days 17-31 and underwent surgery on days 25-47. RAI therapy was administered to one patient after surgery. The patients were then treated with KI during chemotherapy. Five other patients who did not require surgery were initially treated with 100 mg KI monotherapy (group B). The serum free T4 level declined immediately in all of these patients, and they became euthyroid on days 7-18, remaining almost entirely euthyroid for more than 120 days. Anti-cancer chemotherapy was successfully completed for three of the patients while taking KI, despite the patients experiencing repeated episodes of anti-cancer chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Our present findings suggest that, in patients with GD and malignancy, MMI + KI or RAI may be required if immediate surgery is scheduled, but KI monotherapy may be worth trying, if anti-cancer chemotherapy is scheduled, thus avoiding the possibility of thionamide-induced neutropenia.


Subject(s)
Graves Disease/therapy , Methimazole/adverse effects , Neoplasms/therapy , Neutropenia/chemically induced , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Antithyroid Agents/administration & dosage , Antithyroid Agents/adverse effects , Female , Graves Disease/complications , Graves Disease/epidemiology , Humans , Hyperthyroidism/complications , Hyperthyroidism/epidemiology , Hyperthyroidism/therapy , Iodine Radioisotopes/therapeutic use , Male , Methimazole/administration & dosage , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/complications , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neutropenia/therapy , Potassium Iodide , Risk Factors , Thyroidectomy/statistics & numerical data
9.
Econ Lett ; 196: 109573, 2020 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32952242

ABSTRACT

Trust in the reported data of contagious diseases in real time is important for policy makers. Media and politicians have cast doubt on Chinese reported data on COVID-19 cases. We find Chinese confirmed infections match the distribution expected in Benford's Law and are similar to that seen in the U.S. and Italy. We identify a more likely candidate for problems in the policy making process: Poor multilateral data sharing on testing and sampling.

10.
Endocr J ; 66(6): 535-545, 2019 Jun 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30918165

ABSTRACT

Since there have been few reports on the long-term prognosis of Graves' hyperthyroidism, the prognosis of 549 Graves' hyperthyroidism patients initially treated with thionamide and followed for >8 (range: 8.6-36.4) years was studied, evaluating the change in the TSH binding inhibitor immunoglobulin activity (TBII). The distribution of the time required for the first disappearance of TBII was normal after logarithmic conversion, and the mean Ā± 2 SD was 1.5 (0.3-8.1) years. TBII became negative once within 5 years in 78.9% of patients. However, TBII re-elevation was observed in 47.8% of this group (fluctuating type). Remission was observed in 88.9% of the non-fluctuating type (smooth remission) and 37.2% of the fluctuating type patients. TBII remained positive for >5 years in 21.1% (smoldering type) of patients, with remission observed in only 19.8% of patients. Final remission was observed in 301 (54.8%) patients; the median time to remission was 6.8 (interquartile range: 4.0-10.9) years. A longer time until normalization of TBII and higher final thyroid weight were associated with a poor prognosis. Spontaneous hypothyroidism was observed in 6.0% of patients, independent of the TBII change. Our findings suggest that remission of Graves' hyperthyroidism mostly occurred after 4-11 years treatment. While predicting the prognosis before therapy was difficult, the clinical course may suggest a better prognosis if TBII disappears within five years without TBII fluctuation or enlargement of the goiter. Patients may safely wait more than five years to undergo ablative therapy if they hope to avoid permanent hypothyroidism.


Subject(s)
Antithyroid Agents/therapeutic use , Graves Disease/drug therapy , Adult , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
11.
Clin Nephrol ; 89(3): 181-186, 2018 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29035196

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/METHODS: Thyroid function was evaluated in 14 Japanese patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) with end-stage renal disease compared with 11 chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1+2 patients (glomerular filtration rate ≥Ā 60Ā mL/min/1.73m2). RESULTS: The serum free triiodothyronine (fT3) (2.2Ā Ā±Ā 0.3 pg/mL, pĀ <Ā 0.05) levels were lower, and the rate of low triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome was higher (4 of 13 cases, 30.8%) in the CAPD patients than in the CKD stage 1+2 patients (1 of 10 cases, 10.0%, respectively) or the 57 age-matched healthy controls. The serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels were significantly higher in the CAPD patients (39.7 (13.4Ā -Ā 178.0) ng/mL) than in the CKD stage 1+2 patients (9.9 (5.5Ā -Ā 28.8) ng/mL, pĀ <Ā 0.05). High serum Tg levels (>Ā 30Ā ng/mL) were observed in 66.7% of the CAPD patients. CONCLUSION: The finding from our study suggested the deterioration of thyroid function with higher prevalence of low T3 syndrome in the CAPD patients. Although speculation as to the reasons for this would be unwise at this point, we did note that the serum Tg levels were very high in the CAPD patients.Ć¢Ā€Ā©.


Subject(s)
Hypothyroidism/blood , Kidney Failure, Chronic/blood , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory , Adult , Aged , Female , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Humans , Hypothyroidism/complications , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Male , Middle Aged , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy , Thyroglobulin/blood , Thyroid Gland/physiopathology , Triiodothyronine/blood
12.
Endocr J ; 65(7): 755-767, 2018 Jul 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29760304

ABSTRACT

In ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma, combined ACTH-driven hypercortisolemia and hypercatecholaminemia are serious conditions, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and managed appropriately, especially when glucocorticoid-driven positive feedback is suggested with a high ACTH/cortisol ratio. A 46-year-old man presented with headache, rapid weight loss, hyperhidrosis, severe hypertension and hyperglycemia without typical Cushingoid appearance. Endocrinological examinations demonstrated elevated plasma and urine catecholamines, serum cortisol and plasma ACTH. Moreover, his ACTH/cortisol ratio and catecholamine levels were extremely high, suggesting catecholamine-dominant ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma. Computed tomography revealed a large right adrenal tumor. 18F-FDG positron emission tomography showed uptake in the area of the adrenal tumor, while 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy showed no accumulation. His plasma ACTH level paradoxically became elevated after a dexamethasone suppression test. After metyrapone administration, not only serum cortisol but also plasma ACTH levels were exponentially decreased almost in parallel, suggesting a glucocorticoid-driven positive-feedback regulation in this rapidly exacerbated ectopic ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma. Interestingly enough, plasma catecholamine levels were also decreased by metyrapone, although they remained extremely high. He became severely dehydrated due to hypoadrenalism requiring hydrocortisone supplementation. His clinical signs and symptoms were improved, and right adrenalectomy was performed uneventfully, resulting in complete remission of pheochromocytoma and Cushing's syndrome. A glucocorticoid-driven positive-feedback regulation in this ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma created a vicious cycle with rapid exacerbation of both hypercortisolemia and hypercatecholaminemia with extremely elevated plasma ACTH level. Metyrapone was clinically effective to stop this vicious cycle; nonetheless, great care must be taken to avoid hypoadrenalism especially when hypercatecholaminemia remained.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/drug therapy , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/metabolism , Antimetabolites/therapeutic use , Feedback, Physiological/physiology , Glucocorticoids/metabolism , Metyrapone/therapeutic use , Pheochromocytoma/drug therapy , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/metabolism , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pheochromocytoma/metabolism
14.
Clin Nephrol ; 87 (2017)(5): 237-244, 2017 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28291505

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We examined the thyroid function of non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in Japan. METHODS: Serum-free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels were evaluated in 37Ā CKD patients. CKD was defined as sustained kidney damage for more than 3Ā months and was classified as CKD 1+2 (n = 11), 3+4 (n = 10), or 5 (nĀ =Ā 16), which were defined by glomerular filtration rates of ≥ 60, 15 - 59, or <Ā 15Ā mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism (TSHĀ ≥Ā 4.83 mU/L) in CKD 1+2, CKD 3+4, and CKD 5 was 9%, 20%, and 56%, respectively (pĀ <Ā 0.05). Unexpectedly, elevated serum Tg levels (>Ā 30Ā ng/mL), a marker of the reversible recovery of the thyroid function, were found in 67% of the CKD 5 patients (p < 0.05). The serum TSH and Tg levels became lower, without replacement therapy, after the initiation of hemodialysis and iodine restriction, and there was a significant correlation between the serum TSH and Tg levels in the CKD 5 patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of reversible hypothyroidism and the TSH-dependent elevation of the serum Tg levels was suggested in Japanese patients with advanced CKD. The excess ingestion and the impaired urinary excretion of iodine may be responsible for this reversible thyroid dysfunction.Ć¢Ā€Ā©.


Subject(s)
Hypothyroidism/epidemiology , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/blood , Thyroglobulin/blood , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Humans , Hypothyroidism/blood , Hypothyroidism/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Renal Dialysis , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/physiopathology , Thyrotropin/blood
15.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 38(1): 47-56, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24996935

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: We evaluated the thyroid function in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis. MATERIAL/METHODS: Thyroid function and clinical hypothyroid score were evaluated in 145 ESRD patients. RESULTS: Comparison of thyroid function between 127 ESRD patients, excluding 18 patients with suppressed or elevated serum TSH level, and age/sex-matched healthy controls (76 in midlife group aged under 65 and 51 in late-life group aged 65 or over) using a multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested significant difference (P < 0.0001), mainly in serum fT4 level (P = 0.0099) and age (P = 0.0492), but not in serum fT3 (not significant; ns), TSH (ns) level or fT3/fT4 ratio (ns). Serum fT3 level and fT3/fT4 ratio were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in late-life group only in ESRD. Reference values calculated for midlife ESRD patients, such as 0.6-1.3 ng/dl for fT4 compared with 0.8-1.7 ng/dl for healthy control, were helpful for the diagnosis of mild but definite hyperthyroidism in whom serum fT4 level was 1.5 ng/dl. The prevalence of primary thyroid dysfunction, compared with the values for ESRD, was 0.7 % for hyperthyroidism, 1.4 % for overt hypothyroidism and 10.3 % for subclinical hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid score was high among those with ESRD independent of thyroid dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Serum fT4 level was markedly lower without a change in fT3/fT4 ratio in ESRD. This may suggest typical carbohydrate-sufficient non-thyroidal illness. The specific reference values for ESRD were useful to evaluate borderline thyroid dysfunction and to evaluate the prevalence of the patients with primary thyroid dysfunction in ESRD.


Subject(s)
Kidney Failure, Chronic/blood , Kidney Failure, Chronic/diagnosis , Renal Dialysis , Thyroid Function Tests/standards , Thyroid Gland/metabolism , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Reference Values , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Thyrotropin/blood , Young Adult
17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39407446

ABSTRACT

Graves' hyperthyroidism is characterized by stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAbs). Antithyroid drug (ATD) continuation is recommended as long as the thyroid gland is stimulated. Goiter size, thyroidal 123I uptake, serum thyroglobulin level, and TRAb positivity are reliable markers of thyroid stimulation. Attention must also be paid to the responsiveness of the thyroid gland due to the high prevalence of painless thyroiditis and spontaneous hypothyroidism during treatment. TRAbs disappeared at <5 years entering remission in 36.6% of patients (smooth-type), while re-elevation of TRAb activity occurred in 37.7% (fluctuating-type) and remained positive for >5 years in 21.1% (smoldering-type). Seven percent of patients remained positive for TRAbs for >30 years, requiring life-long ATD treatment. Remission occurred after median 6.8 years (interquartile range, 4.0 to 10.9) of ATD treatment in 55% of patients. However, late relapse may occur after stressful events (dormant type). In apparently intractable Graves' disease (GD) with a large goiter (>40 g), 131I therapy should be considered. For initial and long-term ATD treatment, we must choose effective, safe, and economical drugs such as 100 mg potassium iodide (KI), although KI sensitivity varies in patients with GD. Thionamide, which has notorious side effects, is added only during the KI-resistant period.

18.
Eur Thyroid J ; 2024 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39240252

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: As thionamide is associated with various adverse effects, we reevaluated the practical efficacy of potassium iodide (KI) therapy for Graves' hyperthyroidism (GD). METHODS: We administered KI (mainly 100 mg/day) to 324 untreated GD patients, and added methimazole (MMI) only to those remaining thyrotoxic even at 200 mg/day. When the patient became hypothyroid, MMI if taken was stopped, then levothyroxine (LT4) was added without reducing the KI dose. Radioactive iodine (RI) therapy or thyroidectomy was performed whenever required. We evaluated the early effects of KI at 2-4 weeks, and followed patients for 2 years. RESULTS: At 2 weeks, serum thyroid hormone decreased in all 324 patients. At 4 weeks, fT4, fT3, and both fT4 and fT3 levels became normal or low in 74.7%, 50.6%, and 50.6%, respectively. In a cross-sectional survey over 2-years, GD was well-controlled with KI or KI+LT4 (KI-effective) in >50% of patients at all time points. Among 288 patients followed for 2 years, 42.7% remained 'KI-effective' throughout 2 years (KI Group), 30.9% were well-controlled with additional MMI given for 1-24 months, and 26.4% were successfully treated with ablative therapy (mainly RI). Among 'KI-effective' patients at 4 weeks, 76.5% were classified into KI Group. No patients experienced adverse effects of KI. CONCLUSION: KI therapy was useful in the treatment of GD. A sufficient dose of KI was effective in >50% of GD patients from 4 weeks to 2 years, and 42.7% (76.5% of 'KI effective' patients at 4 weeks) remained 'KI-effective' throughout 2 years.

19.
Pigment Cell Melanoma Res ; 37(4): 430-437, 2024 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38439523

ABSTRACT

Tietz albinism-deafness syndrome (TADS) is a rare and severe manifestation of Waardenburg syndrome that is primarily linked to mutations in MITF. In this report, we present a case of TADS resulting from a novel c.637G>C mutation in MITF (p.Glu213Gln; GenBank Accession number: NM_000248). A 3-year-old girl presented with congenital generalized hypopigmentation of the hair, skin, and irides along with complete sensorineural hearing loss. Histopathological and electron microscopy investigations indicated that this variant did not alter the number of melanocytes in the skin but significantly impaired melanosome maturation within melanocytes. Comprehensive melanin analysis revealed marked reductions in both eumelanin (EM) and pheomelanin (PM) rather than changes in the EM-to-PM ratio observed in oculocutaneous albinism. We conducted an electrophoretic mobility shift assay to investigate the binding capability of the identified variant to DNA sequences containing the E-box motif along with other known variants (p.Arg217del and p.Glu213Asp). Remarkably, all three variants exhibited dominant-negative effects, thus providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of TADS. This study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying TADS and offers a deeper understanding of this rare condition and its associated mutations in MITF.


Subject(s)
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor , Mutation , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Deafness/genetics , Deafness/pathology , Genes, Dominant , Melanins/metabolism , Melanocytes/pathology , Melanocytes/metabolism , Melanosomes/metabolism , Melanosomes/ultrastructure , Melanosomes/genetics , Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor/genetics , Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor/metabolism , Mutation/genetics , Waardenburg Syndrome/genetics , Waardenburg Syndrome/pathology
20.
Respir Med Case Rep ; 52: 102119, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39350959

ABSTRACT

A female patient developed multiple intestinal perforations at 31 and 43 years of age. Because of her family history of pneumothorax and intestinal perforation, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) was suspected when she visited our hospital at 52 years. She was diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) and developed bilateral external iliac artery dissection. A CT scan at the time of admission revealed granular and infiltrative shadows in both lungs with bronchiectasis. The patient was also diagnosed with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease, and drug susceptibility to clarithromycin was confirmed. After treatments with rifampicin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin were started, the acid-fast bacilli cultures taken from sputum were negative, and respiratory symptoms partially improved after about 1 month. vEDS is reportedly associated with lung diseases, such as pneumothorax and cystic lung lesions, but there are few reports of respiratory infections with vEDS. Moreover, there are no reports of complications associated with MAC disease. We report a case of vEDS with rare complications and suggest the possible mechanism of infection.

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