Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
08:33
An Ex vivo Culture System to Study Thyroid Development
Published on: June 6, 2014
[The expression of galectin-3 in nodular thyroid goitre]
Wen-jie Chen1, Mao-hua Yu, Ying Xu
1Department of Gerontology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China. vingerchan@hotmail.com
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi
|July 13, 2006
Summary
Galectin-3 is highly expressed in malignant thyroid nodules but not in benign ones. This protein may serve as a diagnostic marker for thyroid cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Thyroid nodules are common, with malignancy detection being crucial.
- Accurate differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodules remains a clinical challenge.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the expression of galectin-3 in benign and malignant thyroid nodules.
- To determine the potential of galectin-3 as a biomarker for thyroid nodule diagnosis.
Summary:
- Galectin-3 expression was assessed using immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods in various thyroid tissues.
- High galectin-3 expression was observed in thyroid carcinomas (89.7%-91.7%), particularly papillary and follicular types.
- Malignant nodules with metastases showed significantly higher galectin-3 levels compared to those without.
- Benign adenomas, nodular hyperplasia, normal, and paracarcinomatous tissues exhibited minimal to no galectin-3 expression.
Impact:
- Galectin-3 shows promise as a reliable marker for distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid nodules.
- This finding could lead to improved diagnostic strategies and patient management for thyroid conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Goiter
Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
01:25Hyperthyroidism 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...
01:24Graves 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...
01:18Functions of Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...