Protective effect of thyroid and restores of ovarian function of Buzhong Yiqi granule on experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in female rats.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Buzhong Yiqi granule on thyroid function and ovarian function in rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). METHODS: EAT model was replicate by using the method of mixing and injecting porcine thyroglobulin with Freund's adjuvant and high iodine. Rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC) group, EAT model (EAT) group, selenium yeast (PC) group, low dose Buzhong Yiqi (BZYQ-L) group, medium dose Buzhong Yiqi (BZYQ-M) group and high dose Buzhong Yiqi (BZYQ-H) group. After two months of drug intervention according to dosage, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) in peripheral blood of rats. The pathological changes of rat thyroid tissues were observed under light microscope with HE staining; ELISA was used to determine estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), and the pathological changes of rat ovarian tissues were observed under light microscope with hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: Compared with the NC group, BZYQ granule improved the thyroid and ovarian tissue morphology, and the levels of TPOAb, TGAb and TSH in the model group rats significantly increased (P < 0.05), the thyroid tissue was severely destroyed, the levels of E2, FSH, LH, T, AMH significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the ovary exhibited polycystic changes; Compared with the model group, TSH level in the BZYQ-L group rats decreased (P < 0.05), FSH, T, AMH levels decreased (P < 0.05), in the BZYQ-M group TPOAb, TSH levels decreased (P < 0.05), FSH, LH, T, AMH levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05), BZYQ-H group TPOAb, TGAb, TSH levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05), FSH, LH, T, AMH levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05), with the greatest improvement and significantly better than selenium yeast group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BZYQ granule could regulate the thyroid function of EAT rats, reduce thyroid antibody titers, then act on the ovarian function, regulate hormone disorders, and alleviate the pathological damage of rat's ovarian tissues. The effect of high dose Buzhong Yiqi granule is the best.

Clinical efficacy and molecular mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Autoimmune Thyroiditis (AIT) is a common refractory autoimmune disease of the endocrine system that may eventually lead to complete loss of thyroid function, with subsequent severe effects on the metabolism. Because of the deficiency in current clinical management of AIT, the need for alternative therapies is highlighted. With its multi-component and multi-target characteristics, Chinese medicine has good potential as an alternative therapy for AIT. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to systematically summarize the clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of TCM and its active ingredients in the treatment and regulation of AIT. Additionally, we provide an in-depth discussion of the relevant mechanisms and molecular targets to understand the protective effects of traditional Chinese medicine on AIT and explore new ideas for clinical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature related to "Hashimoto", "autoimmune thyroiditis", "traditional Chinese medicine," and "Chinese herbal medicine" was systematically summarized and reviewed from Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, CNKI, and other databases. Domestic and international literature were analyzed, compared, and reviewed. RESULTS: An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that herbal medicines can intervene in immunomodulation, with pharmacological effects such as antibody lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic thyroid follicular cells, regulation of intestinal flora, and regulation of estrogen and progesterone levels. The signaling pathways and molecular targets of the immunomodulatory effects of Chinese herbal medicine for AIT may include Fas/FasL, Caspase, BCL-2, and TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB et al. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Chinese herbs in the treatment and management of AIT is clinically experienced, satisfactory, and safe. Future studies may evaluate the influence of herbal medicines on the occurrence and development of AIT by modulating the interaction between immune factors and conventional signaling pathways.

Clinical and histological features of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroiditis: a national multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is frequently associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AT in a national cohort of pSS and to describe the clinical and histological phenotype of patients with pSS and associated AT. METHODS: In this multicentre cross-sectional study, data from 2546 pSS were collected and the presence of AT was reported. In a subgroup, the histology of minor salivary glands was evaluated. Differences between pSS with and without AT were evaluated. RESULTS: A concomitant pSS and AT was detected in 19.6% of cases. Patients with pSS and AT displayed a lower prevalence of lymphoma, male sex and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) use and a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia, coeliac disease and hypergammaglobulinaemia. Multivariable analysis confirmed a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia and coeliac disease and lower use of DMARDs. In a subgroup of patients (n=232), a significantly higher focus score and number of foci was detected in pSS without AT (n=169) as compared to pSS with AT (n=54). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study evaluating the coexistence of pSS and AT. We confirm a high association between pSS and AT and describe the presence of a different phenotype characterized by a higher rate of celiac disease and fibromyalgia. Although not significant, the lower prevalence of both lymphoma and intake of DMARDs, along with a significantly lower focus score and number of foci, possibly suggest a more favourable outcome in concomitant pSS and AT which further deserve future investigations.

Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis presenting as cortisone sensible psychosis with reversible leukoencephalopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) is a frequently discussed neuropsychiatric syndrome with elevated thyroid antibodies in the context of various clinical neuropsychiatric phenotypes. MRI abnormalities are usually nonspecific and treatment can be complex. CASE STUDY: We present a case of a woman in her sixties with SREAT whose psychosis kept worsening under cortisone tapering. After three years with cortisone side effects, therapy was changed to plasmapheresis and rituximab treatment with an excellent initial response, subacute unexplained deterioration with extensive leukoencephalopathy on MRI shortly after, and full recovery with regression of leukoencephalopathy afterwards. DISCUSSION: SREAT varies in clinical and diagnostic presentation. Its precise pathophysiology is unknown, as are the best treatment protocols. The case illustrates that some patients with SREAT syndrome might end up in constellations, in which it proves difficult to wean off steroid treatment and illustrates treatment alternatives such as plasmapheresis and/or rituximab. In addition, it highlights leukoencephalopathy as possible MRI finding in the context of SREAT. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the (potentially different) pathomechanisms and courses of SREAT.

Omentin-1 Levels in Hypothyroid Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine Omentin-1 in hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis compared to controls. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Turkiye, between August 2017 and March 2020. METHODOLOGY: The study included 63 newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and 40 healthy volunteers. Body mass index, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, lipid profile, thyroid function tests, thyroid autoantibodies, and omentin-1 levels were determined before and after treatment with levothyroxine sodium in all participants. RESULTS: Omentin-1 was significantly higher in the control subjects [15.05 (12.12-18.06) ng/ml] than in the hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis [3.04 (2.39-3.76) ng/ml, p<0.001]. There was no significant difference in omentin-1 level in patients who achieved euthyroidism by treatment (p=0.26). In correlation analysis, serum omentin-1 level was found to correlate negatively with thyroid-stimulating hormone (r=-0.27, p=0.006), anti-thyroid peroxidase (r=-0.32, p=0.001), and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (r=-0.26, p=0.007), whereas it correlated positively with free triiodothyronine (r=0.22, p=0.021) and free thyroxine (r=0.24, p=0.012). CONCLUSION: Lower omentin-1 levels in hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and its negative correlation with thyroid-stimulating hormone suggest that omentin-1 may play some role in hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. KEY WORDS: Hypothyroidism, Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, Omentin-1.

Dioscin Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis via the mTOR and TLR4/NF-κB Signaling.

Background: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a common autoimmune disease that causes thyroid dysfunction. Clinical symptoms in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients were improved after oral administration of dioscin. However, the mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effect remain unclear. Methods: The protective effects and potential mechanisms of dioscin for autoimmune thyroiditis were explored in a rat model of thyroglobulin-induced autoimmune thyroiditis. Firstly, the rat model of AIT was obtained by subcutaneous injection of thyroglobulin and drinking the sodium iodide solution, followed by gavage administration for 8 weeks. Rats were sacrificed after anaesthesia, serum and thyroid samples were preserved. Serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) expressions were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes were observed by H&E staining. Next, we used transcriptomics techniques to find the potential therapeutic target of dioscin. Finally, we validated the transcriptomic results by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC-P), respectively. Results: Animal experiments showed that dioscin regulated T3, T4, FT3, TSH, TgAb, TPOAb, and TRAb and alleviated the pathological process in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing optimal efficacy. In the transcriptome, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway was identified by KEGG enrichment analysis and validated by RT-PCR and IHC-P. The relative expression of NF-κB, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA and protein were decreased in the dioscin-treated group compared to the AIT model group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that dioscin treatment improved thyroid function and downregulated TGAb, TPOAb and TRAb levels in rat models of AIT, which may alleviate the pathological process and suppress the inflammatory response by inhibiting mTOR and TLR4/NF-κB pathways.

The Effects of Selenium Supplementation in the Treatment of Autoimmune Thyroiditis: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

OBJECTIVE: The available evidence on selenium supplementation in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) was inconclusive. This research serves to assess the effects of selenium supplementation in the treatment of AIT. METHODS: Online databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 10 June 2022. The AMSTAR-2 tool was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. The information on the randomized controlled trials of the included studies was extracted and synthesized. The GRADE system was used to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 6 systematic reviews with 75 RCTs were included. Only one study was rated as high quality. The meta-analysis showed that in the levothyroxine (LT4)-treated population, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) levels decreased significantly in the selenium group at 3 months (SMD = -0.53, 95% CI: [-0.89, -0.17], p < 0.05, very low certainty) and 6 months (SMD = -1.95, 95% CI: [-3.17, -0.74], p < 0.05, very low certainty) and that thyroglobulin antibody (Tg-Ab) levels were not decreased. In the non-LT4-treated population, TPO-Ab levels decreased significantly in the selenium group at 3 and 6 months and did not decrease at 12 months. Tg-Ab levels decreased significantly in the selenium group at 3 and 6 months and did not decrease at 12 months. The adverse effects reported in the selenium group were not significantly different from those in the control group, and the certainty of evidence was low. CONCLUSION: Although selenium supplementation might reduce TPO-Ab levels at 3 and 6 months and Tg-Ab levels at 3 and 6 months in the non-LT4-treated population, this was based on a low certainty of evidence.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis Attenuates Cardiometabolic Effects of Cabergoline in Young Women With Hyperprolactinemia.

Both prolactin excess and autoimmune (Hashimoto) thyroiditis may predispose to the development of cardiometabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate whether autoimmune thyroiditis determines cardiometabolic effects of cabergoline. The study population consisted of 2 groups of young women: 32 women with euthyroid Hashimoto thyroiditis (group A) and 32 individuals without thyroid disorders (group B). Both groups were matched for age, body mass index, blood pressure, and prolactin levels. Plasma prolactin, thyroid antibodies, glucose homeostasis markers, plasma lipids, circulating levels of uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen and homocysteine, and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were assessed before and after 6 months of cabergoline treatment. All women completed the study. Both groups differed in thyroid antibody titers, insulin sensitivity, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hsCRP, homocysteine, and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Although cabergoline treatment reduced prolactin levels, improved insulin sensitivity, decreased glycated hemoglobin, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreased hsCRP, and reduced the albumin-to-creatinine ratio in both treatment groups, these effects (except for glycated hemoglobin) were more pronounced in group B than in group A. Only in group B, the drug decreased triglycerides, uric acid, fibrinogen, and homocysteine. In group A, hsCRP levels correlated with both baseline thyroid antibody titers and with other cardiometabolic risk factors. The impact of cabergoline on cardiometabolic risk factors depended on the degree of reduction in prolactin levels, while in group A additionally correlated with the effect of treatment on hsCRP. The obtained results suggest that coexisting autoimmune thyroiditis attenuates cardiometabolic effects of cabergoline in young women with hyperprolactinemia.

Conundrum for Psoriasis and Thyroid Involvement.

Strategies concerning thyroid anomalies in patients confirmed with psoriasis, either on clinical level or molecular levels, and their genetic findings remain an open issue. Identification of the exact subgroup of individuals that are candidates to endocrine assessments is also controversial. Our purpose in this work was to overview clinical and pathogenic data concerning psoriasis and thyroid comorbidities from a dual perspective (dermatologic and endocrine). This was a narrative review of English literature between January 2016 and January 2023. We included clinically relevant, original articles with different levels of statistical evidence published on PubMed. We followed four clusters of conditions: thyroid dysfunction, autoimmunity, thyroid cancer, and subacute thyroiditis. A new piece of information in this field was the fact that psoriasis and autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD) have been shown to be related to the immune-based side effects of modern anticancer drugs-namely, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICP). Overall, we identified 16 confirmatory studies, but with heterogeneous data. Psoriatic arthritis had a higher risk of positive antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) (25%) compared to cutaneous psoriasis or control. There was an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction versus control, and hypothyroidism was the most frequent type of dysfunction (subclinical rather than clinical), among thyroid anomalies correlated with >2-year disease duration, peripheral > axial and polyarticular involvement. With a few exceptions, there was a female predominance. Hormonal imbalance included, most frequently, low thyroxine (T4) and/or triiodothyronine (T3) with normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), followed by high TSH (only one study had higher total T3). The highest ratio of thyroid involvement concerning dermatologic subtypes was 59% for erythrodermic psoriasis. Most studies found no correlation between thyroid anomalies and psoriasis severity. Statistically significant odds ratios were as follows: hypothyroidism: 1.34-1.38; hyperthyroidism: 1.17-1.32 (fewer studies than hypo); ATD: 1.42-2.05; Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT): 1.47-2.09; Graves' disease: 1.26-1.38 (fewer studies than HT). A total of 8 studies had inconsistent or no correlations, while the lowest rate of thyroid involvement was 8% (uncontrolled studies). Other data included 3 studies on patients with ATD looking for psoriasis, as well as 1 study on psoriasis and thyroid cancer. ICP was shown to potentially exacerbate prior ATD and psoriasis or to induce them both de novo (5 studies). At the case report level, data showed subacute thyroiditis due to biological medication (ustekinumab, adalimumab, infliximab). Thyroid involvement in patients with psoriasis thus remained puzzling. We observed significant data that confirmed a higher risk of identifying positive antibodies and/or thyroid dysfunction, especially hypothyroidism, in these subjects. Awareness will be necessary to improve overall outcomes. The exact profile of individuals diagnosed with psoriasis who should be screened by the endocrinology team is still a matter of debate, in terms of dermatological subtype, disease duration, activity, and other synchronous (especially autoimmune) conditions.

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Atorvastatin-Treated Women with Euthyroid Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune thyroiditis seems to be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. Statins, the mainstay of cardiovascular risk reduction and prevention, were found to reduce thyroid antibody titers. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma markers of cardiometabolic risk in statin-treated women with thyroid autoimmunity. METHODS: We compared two matched groups of euthyroid women with hypercholesterolemia receiving atorvastatin treatment: subjects with autoimmune (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis (group A, n = 29) and subjects without thyroid pathology (group B, n = 29). Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, as well as circulating levels of uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, homocysteine, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured before atorvastatin treatment and 6 months later. RESULTS: At entry, both groups differed in antibody titers, insulin sensitivity, and plasma levels of uric acid, hsCRP, fibrinogen, homocysteine, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Atorvastatin-induced reduction in hsCRP and homocysteine, but not in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, was more pronounced in group B than in group A. Only in group B, the drug decreased uric acid and fibrinogen and increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In group A, atorvastatin reduced insulin responsiveness. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate that euthyroid women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis may benefit to a lesser degree from atorvastatin treatment than other populations of women with hypercholesterolemia.

MRI and steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis: first report of conus medullaris involvement and literature review of the known neuroimaging profiles.

BACKGROUND: Steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) is a rare but potentially reversible autoimmune encephalopathy. The most frequent neuroimaging correlates are normal brain MRI or non-specific white matter hyperintensities. METHODS: We present the first description of conus medullaris involvement, also providing an extensive review of MRI patterns described so far. RESULTS: Our results show that in less than 30% of cases, it is possible to find focal SREAT neuroanatomical correlates. Among these, T2w/FLAIR temporal hyperintensities are the most frequent, followed by basal ganglia/thalamic and brainstem involvement, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Unfortunately, spinal cord investigation is an uncommon practice in the diagnostic approach of encephalopathies, thus neglecting potential pathological lesions of the medulla spinalis. In our opinion, the extension of the MRI study to the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral regions may allow finding new, and hopefully specific, anatomical correlates.

Effective Inhibition of Thyroid Antigen Presentation Using Retro-Inverso Peptides in Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Pathway Toward Immune Therapies of Thyroid Autoimmunity.

Background: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) represent the most common autoimmune diseases. However, current therapies focus on relieving the symptoms instead of curing AITD, and new therapies to reverse the autoimmune attack on the thyroid are needed. HLA-DRß1-Arg74 is the key HLA class II allele that triggers AITD by presenting pathogenic thyroglobulin (Tg) peptides that activate thyroid self-reactive T cells. We hypothesized that blocking the presentation of Tg peptides to T cells within the HLA-DRß1-Arg74 peptide binding cleft could reverse the autoimmune response to the thyroid in AITD. Methods: The approach we used to block Tg peptide presentation within HLA-DRß1-Arg74 is to design retro-inverso D-amino acid (RID) peptides that have high affinity to the HLA-DRß1-Arg74 peptide binding pocket. Results: By using computational approaches and molecular dynamics simulations, we designed two RID peptides, RT-15 and VT-15, that blocked peptide binding to recombinant HLA-DRß1-Arg74 molecule, as well as T cell activation in vitro. Furthermore, RT-15 and VT-15 blocked in vivo T cell activation by thyroglobulin in humanized NOD-DR3 mice induced with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. Conclusions: In summary, we discovered two RID peptides that block thyroglobulin peptide binding to HLA-DRß1-Arg74 and their presentation to T cells in AITD. These findings set the stage for a personalized medicine therapeutic approach for AITD patients who carry the DRß1-Arg74 allele. This antigen-specific therapeutic strategy can potentially be extended to other autoimmune diseases.

Leptin receptor antagonist attenuates experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in mice by regulating Treg/Th17 cell differentiation.

Leptin has been found to be involved in the development and progression of many autoimmune diseases. As an organ-specific autoimmune disease, the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis has not been fully elucidated. It has been reported that serum leptin level is increased in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but other studies have not shown any difference. We replicated a mouse model of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) with a high-iodine diet and found that injection of the leptin receptor antagonist Allo-aca reduced thyroid follicle destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration in EAT mice, and thyroxine and thyroid autoimmune antibody levels. Further investigation revealed that Allo-aca promotes the differentiation of Treg cells and inhibits the differentiation of Th17 cells. We believe that Allo-aca can alter the differentiation of Treg/Th17 cells by inhibiting the leptin signaling pathway, thereby alleviating thyroid injury in EAT mice. Interfering with the leptin signaling pathway may be a novel new approach to treat treating and ameliorating Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Gluten-free diet attenuates the impact of exogenous vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity in young women with autoimmune thyroiditis: a pilot study.

Although both exogenous vitamin D and a gluten-free diet were found to reduce thyroid antibody titers, no study investigated interactions between gluten intake and vitamin D status in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the gluten-free diet determines the effect of vitamin D treatment on thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid function in young women with autoimmune (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis. The study compared two groups of euthyroid premenopausal women with this disorder, matched for thyroid antibody titers: 31 women with non-celiac gluten sensitivity complying for at least 12 months with the gluten-free diet and 31 unaffected sisters of women with non-celiac gluten sensitivity remaining without any dietary intervention. Plasma titers of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, as well as plasma concentrations of thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, prolactin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were measured at entry and after a six-month follow-up. Moreover, at both time points, the structure parameters of thyroid homeostasis were assessed. Although exogenous vitamin D decreased titers of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies and increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in each treatment group, this effect was less pronounced in patients on the gluten-free diet than in patients not following any dietary recommendations. Only in the latter group of patients, vitamin D increased SPINA-GT. Treatment-induced changes in thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies correlated with the impact of treatment on 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. The obtained results suggest that gluten-free diet may impair beneficial effects of exogenous vitamin D in individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The impact of vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity in myo-inositol-treated and myo-inositol-naïve women with autoimmune thyroiditis: A pilot study.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D and myo-inositol reduce thyroid antibody titers in subjects with autoimmune thyroiditis. No previous study has investigated interactions between these agents. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the impact of exogenous vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid function in women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis depends on myo-inositol supplementation. METHODS: The study population consisted of three thyroid antibody- and insulin sensitivity-matched groups of women with autoimmune thyroiditis and high-normal or slightly elevated TSH levels. Forty-one women (21 in group A and 20 in group C) had been treated for at least 6 months with myo-inositol (group A), while 21 women (group B) had not received myo-inositol preparations. Over the entire study period (6 months), groups A and C continued treatment with myo-inositol (2 g daily), while groups A and B received exogenous vitamin D (4000 IU daily). Plasma titers of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, as well as plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, TSH, free thyroid hormones, prolactin, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) were assessed at entry and 6 months later. Moreover, baseline and follow-up values of the structure parameters of thyroid homeostasis were calculated RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In groups A and B, vitamin D improved insulin sensitivity and increased 25-OH-D levels. Although follow-up antibody titers in both these groups were lower than baseline ones, the impact of vitamin D on thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies was stronger in group A than in group B. Only in group A, vitamin D decreased TSH levels and increased SPINA-GT. There were no differences between baseline and follow-up free values of glucose, thyroid hormones, prolactin, Jostel's index, and SPINA-GD. The impact of vitamin D treatment on antibody titers correlated with treatment-induced changes in 25-OH-D levels and the degree of improvement in insulin sensitivity. In group C, glucose homeostasis markers, antibody titers and hormone levels remained at a similar level throughout the study period. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggest that the impact of vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity in subjects with autoimmune thyroiditis is more pronounced if they receive myo-inositol.

Selenium Supplementation in Pregnant Women with Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Practical Approach.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and a pivotal role in thyroid metabolism. Ensuring a sufficient Se supply is possible via a balanced, wholesome diet; however, Se content in foods may be different throughout geographical areas. Se supplementation is expected to improve inflammatory status in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, especially in those with high activity, and has been demonstrated as effective in reducing the thyroid peroxidase antibodies titer. Se status seems to affect thyroid function in pregnancy, which prompts the potential role of Se supplementation in such patients. Few clinical trials have investigated the effectiveness of Se supplementation in pregnant women with thyroiditis, and their results suggest the safety and effectiveness of this element in reducing autoantibody levels and preventing postpartum thyroiditis development, although limited. Hence, more robust evidence is needed to confirm these data. The current study aims to summarize published data on the relationship between Se and thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroiditis and the potential use of Se. Moreover, an algorithm for Se supplementation is proposed for pregnant women with thyroiditis to help endocrinologists in daily clinical practice to consider Se status.

New-Onset Primary Adrenal Insufficiency and Autoimmune Hypothyroidism in a Pediatric Patient Presenting with MIS-C.

INTRODUCTION: There is emerging speculation that the inflammatory state associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger autoimmune conditions, but no causal link is established. There are reports of autoimmune thyroiditis and adrenal insufficiency in adults post-COVID-19. We describe the first pediatric report of adrenal insufficiency and autoimmune hypothyroidism after COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old previously healthy girl, with vitiligo, presented in shock following 1 week of fever, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. Three weeks prior, she had congestion and fatigue and known familial exposure for COVID-19. Labs were remarkable for sodium 129 mmol/L, K 4.3 mmol/L, creatinine 2.9 mg/dL, hemoglobin 8.3 g/dL, and positive COVID-19 PCR and SARS-CoV-2 IgG. She was resuscitated with normal saline and required pressor support. EKG showed abnormal repolarization presumed secondary to myocarditis. She met the criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), received intravenous immune globulin and IL-1R antagonist and was admitted for intensive care. Persistent hypotension despite improved inflammatory markers and undetectable cortisol led to initiation of hydrocortisone. She was then able to rapidly wean off pressors and hydrocortisone within 48 h. Thereafter, tests undertaken for persistent bradycardia confirmed autoimmune hypothyroidism with TSH 131 µU/mL, free T4 0.85 ng/dL, and positive thyroid autoantibodies. Basal and stimulated cortisol were <1 µg/dL on a standard 250 µg cosyntropin stimulation test, with baseline ACTH >1,250 pg/mL confirming primary adrenal insufficiency. Treatment was initiated with hydrocortisone, levothyroxine, and fludrocortisone. Adrenal sonogram did not reveal any hemorrhage and anti-adrenal antibody titers were positive. The family retrospectively reported oligomenorrhea, increased salt craving in the months prior, and a family history of autoimmune thyroiditis. The cytokine panel was notably different from other cases of MIS-C. CONCLUSION: This is the first pediatric report, to our knowledge, of primary adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism following COVID-19, leading to a unique presentation of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2. The initial presentation was attributed to MIS-C, but the subsequent clinical course suggests the possibility of adrenal crisis. It remains unknown if COVID-19 had a causal relationship in triggering the autoimmune adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism.

FEATURES OF MANAGEMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS IN CHILDREN: A CASE REPORT.

The article reflects the main links of pathogenesis and diagnostic criteria for autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and subclinical hypothyroidism as well as presents formulated features of signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and therapy of this disease in children. Here, we present a case report of an adolescent patient with AIT that was treated with L-thyroxine. The feature of this case was the development of laboratory-confirmed drug-induced hyperthyroidism against the background of hypersensitivity to the drug, what required correction of the therapy.

Angioedema Due to Acquired Deficiency of C1-Inhibitor: A Cohort Study in Spain and a Comparison With Other Series.

BACKGROUND: Data on acquired angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-AAE) from 4 European countries (France, Italy, Germany, and Hungary) were recently published. OBJECTIVE: To report data from a group of 50 patients with acquired C1-INH deficiency from Spain, of whom 46 had angioedema, and compare them with other European series. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of 46 patients with C1-INH-AAE and 4 asymptomatic patients. Clinical and biological characteristics and associated diseases were assessed and compared with other European series. RESULTS: Women accounted for 73.9% of cases. The prevalence of C1-INH-AAE related to hereditary forms was 1/10.1. Overall, 8.7% patients were aged <40 years. Diagnostic delay was 1.1 years. Angioedema mainly affected the face (91.3%), followed by the oropharynx (63%), extremities (50%), and abdomen (37%). Only 1 patient underwent orotracheal intubation. Erythema marginatum was present in 1 patient. A hematologic disorder was recorded in 50% of patients. Angioedema preceded all benign conditions, mostly monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, but appeared very close to or after malignant hematologic diseases (median, 2.2 and 0.29 years). Autoimmune diseases were associated in 50% (autoimmune thyroiditis, 21.5%; systemic lupus erythematosus, 10.9%). Half of them coexisted with hematologic disorders. Anti-C1-INH antibodies were found in 67% of tested patients and were not related to the associated disease. Long-term prophylaxis was necessary in 52.2%, most of whom responded to tranexamic acid. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the possibility of C1-INH-AAE in patients younger than 40 and in autoimmune diseases other than systemic lupus erythematosus such as autoimmune thyroiditis.