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Serum interferon gamma levels in autoimmune thyroid disease.
S Matsubayashi1, Y Kasuga, Y Sakatsume
1Endocrinology Research Laboratory, Wellesley Hospital, University of Toronto.
Summary
Interferon gamma (IFN gamma) is elevated in Graves' disease patients, suggesting increased T cell activity. However, serum IFN gamma levels do not correlate with thyroid function or autoantibodies in autoimmune thyroid disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Interferon gamma (IFN gamma), a key lymphokine, is implicated in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) pathogenesis.
- CD4 cells are a primary source of IFN gamma upon soluble antigen stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure serum IFN gamma concentrations in patients with AITD.
- To investigate the relationship between serum IFN gamma levels and clinical parameters in AITD.
Main Methods:
- Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify serum IFN gamma.
- Study included 42 AITD patients (24 Graves' disease, 18 Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and 9 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Detectable IFN gamma levels were found in 1 of 9 controls, 14 of 24 Graves' disease patients, and 5 of 18 Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients.
- Graves' disease patients exhibited significantly higher serum IFN gamma concentrations (11.6 +/- 15.8 IU/ml) compared to controls (1.1 +/- 0.3 IU/ml).
- Serum IFN gamma levels in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients (9.4 +/- 15.5 IU/ml) were not significantly different from controls and did not correlate with autoantibodies or thyroid function.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum IFN gamma in Graves' disease may indicate increased in vivo T cell activity.
- Serum IFN gamma levels do not appear to accurately reflect intrathyroidal autoimmune processes in AITD.