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Potential Involvement of P2 Receptors in the Pathological Processes of Hyperthyroidism: A Pilot Study
Wu Hong1, Guodong Li2, Yijun Nie3
1School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China Jiangxi Province Blood Center, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism manifest mainly as changes in the nervous and metabolic systems. Whether P2X receptors (ionotropic ATP purinergic receptors, including P2X3 receptor and P2X7 receptor) are involved in the alterations of these disorders still remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to assess the association of hyperthyroidism with the expression of P2X3 and P2X7 receptors and the concentrations of ATP in blood leukocytes and catecholamine. Twelve healthy subjects and twelve patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism were recruited. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels had been detected by chemiluminescence method. Meanwhile, the catecholamine levels (including adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine) in plasma, ATP level and P2X receptors (including P2X3 receptor and P2X7 receptor) in peripheral blood had been detected by high performance liquid chromatography, bioluminescence method, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine were significantly higher in the hyperthyroidism group compared with the control group. The concentration of ATP in the hyperthyroidism group was significantly higher than its in the control group. The expression of P2X3 mRNA and P2X7 mRNA in hyperthyroidism group were significantly increased compared with those in control group. In a conclusion, there is a relationship between the elevated expression of P2X3 receptor and P2X7 receptor in peripheral blood leukocytes and high serum epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in hyperthyroidism patients.
Insights
Hyperthyroidism is linked to increased P2X3 and P2X7 receptor expression in blood leukocytes. This study found higher ATP, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels in hyperthyroid patients, suggesting a connection between these receptors and the condition.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism affects nervous and metabolic systems.
- The role of P2X receptors (P2X3, P2X7) in hyperthyroidism is not well understood.
- Investigating P2X receptors may reveal new insights into hyperthyroid pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between hyperthyroidism and P2X3/P2X7 receptor expression.
- To measure ATP and catecholamine levels in hyperthyroid patients.
- To explore the relationship between P2X receptors and key biomarkers in hyperthyroidism.
Main Methods:
- Compared 12 hyperthyroid patients with 12 healthy controls.
- Measured serum FT3, FT4, TSH, plasma catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine), and blood leukocyte ATP.
- Assessed P2X3 and P2X7 receptor mRNA expression using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Main Results:
- Hyperthyroid patients had significantly higher epinephrine and norepinephrine levels.
- ATP concentration was significantly elevated in the hyperthyroid group.
- P2X3 and P2X7 mRNA expression were significantly increased in hyperthyroid patients.
Conclusions:
- Elevated P2X3 and P2X7 receptor expression in leukocytes is associated with hyperthyroidism.
- Increased serum epinephrine and norepinephrine levels correlate with higher P2X receptor expression in hyperthyroidism.
- P2X receptors may play a role in the neuro-metabolic alterations seen in hyperthyroidism.
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