Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Thyroid disorders in chronic hepatitis C

Alessandro Antonelli1, Clodoveo Ferri, Alessandro Pampana

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, University of Pisa School of Medicine, Pisa, Italy. a.antonelli@med.unipi.it

The American Journal of Medicine
|June 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity. These thyroid disorders are more common in HCV patients compared to healthy individuals or those with hepatitis B.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Hepatology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally.
  • The relationship between HCV infection and thyroid dysfunction requires further investigation.
  • Thyroid disorders can impact overall health and disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the prevalence of thyroid disorders.
  • To compare thyroid function and autoimmunity in HCV patients with control groups and hepatitis B patients.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 630 patients with chronic HCV infection (without cirrhosis, hepatocarcinoma, or interferon treatment).
  • Included control groups: 389 from iodine-deficient areas, 268 from iodine-sufficient areas, and 86 with chronic hepatitis B.
  • Measured thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), anti-thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies.

Main Results:

  • HCV patients exhibited higher mean TSH levels (P=0.001) and lower free T3 and free T4 levels (P<0.0001) compared to all other groups.
  • Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 13% of HCV patients.
  • Increased prevalence of anti-thyroglobulin (17%) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (21%) antibodies was observed in HCV patients.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic hepatitis C infection is associated with a higher incidence of hypothyroidism.
  • Thyroid autoimmunity is more prevalent in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
  • These findings hold true even in the absence of cirrhosis, hepatocarcinoma, or interferon treatment.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...