The aggregation between AITD with rheumatologic, or dermatologic, autoimmune diseases.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD), are Th1 lymphocyte-mediated disorders.
• Thyroid dysfunction and autoantibodies are observed in systemic rheumatologic diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) and dermatological conditions.
• Emerging evidence highlights shared genetic and environmental factors in patients with AITD and associated systemic autoimmunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between autoimmune thyroid diseases and other systemic autoimmune and dermatological conditions.
• To emphasize the role of Th1 immune responses and CXCL10 chemokine in these interconnected diseases.
• To recommend thyroid screening in specific patient populations at risk.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and investigations.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and etiological factors in AITD and associated autoimmune diseases.
• Focus on immunological markers, particularly Th1 responses and CXCL10.

Main Results:

• Established links between AITD and various systemic rheumatologic and dermatological autoimmune diseases.
• Identification of shared genetic susceptibilities and environmental triggers.
• Increased expression of Th1 chemokine CXCL10 in active phases of these disorders.

Conclusions:

• Autoimmune thyroid diseases frequently coexist with other autoimmune conditions, suggesting common underlying mechanisms.
• Thyroid dysfunction can significantly impact clinical outcomes, necessitating vigilance.
• Periodic thyroid screening is advised for women with systemic or dermatological autoimmunity, particularly those with thyroid autoantibodies.