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Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
Iodine deficiency influences thyroid autoimmunity in old age--a comparative population-based study
Stig Andersen1, Finn Iversen, Steen Terpling
1Department of Endocrinology and Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark. stiga@dadlnet.dk
Maturitas
|November 15, 2011
Summary
Thyroid autoantibodies are common in older adults and are influenced by iodine intake. Optimal iodine levels were associated with the lowest frequency of thyroid autoimmunity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Thyroid autoimmunity is a significant health concern in aging populations.
- Iodine intake is a critical factor in thyroid health, with regional variations impacting public health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate thyroid autoimmunity in elderly individuals residing in areas with differing iodine intake levels.
- To determine the influence of migration on thyroid autoimmunity prevalence in the elderly.
- To compare thyroid autoimmunity in elderly populations with low versus recommended iodine intake.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 430 elderly participants (aged 75-80) from two Danish towns with distinct iodine levels in drinking water.
- Collection of blood and urine samples to measure thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), and iodine levels.
- Utilized questionnaires to gather demographic and residency information, assessing the impact of migration and duration of residence.
Main Results:
- Iodine deficiency was prevalent in Randers, while Skagen residents exhibited iodine repletion (median urinary iodine 74 μg/24h vs. 184 μg/24h).
- Thyroid antibodies (TPOAb and TGAb) were significantly more frequent in the iodine-deficient area (42% vs. 32%, p=0.006).
- Increased risk of thyroid antibodies was observed with lower iodine excretion (<50 μg/24h), and differences were amplified by longer residence duration.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid autoantibodies are common in old age and are demonstrably influenced by iodine intake levels.
- The lowest frequency of thyroid autoimmunity was observed in elderly individuals with recommended iodine intake.
- Iodine status and duration of residence are key factors affecting thyroid autoimmunity in the elderly.
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