Thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid hormone reference intervals in apparently healthy Chinese adults

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Thyroid disorders pose significant public health challenges, yet data on autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) prevalence and thyroid function test (TFT) reference intervals in non-Western populations remain limited.
• Understanding ethnic and dietary influences on thyroid function is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Discussion:

• This study investigated the prevalence of AITD markers (TPO-Ab, Tg-Ab) and established TFT reference intervals in a cohort of 486 healthy Chinese adults.
• Findings indicate a notable prevalence of AITD markers, especially in women, highlighting the need for population-specific reference ranges.

Key Insights:

• Laboratory evidence of AITD was detected in 12.1% (TPO-Ab) and 10.3% (Tg-Ab) of apparently healthy Chinese adults.
• Women exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of both TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab positivity compared to men.
• Gender-specific differences were observed in several TFT parameters (Total T4, Free T3, Total T3, T-Uptake), but not TSH or Free T4.

Outlook:

• The established TFT reference intervals provide a valuable resource for the Chinese population, aiding in the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders.
• The high prevalence of AITD markers in women underscores the importance of considering gender-specific screening and reference values, particularly for women of reproductive age.
• Further research could explore the specific dietary and genetic factors contributing to AITD prevalence in this population.