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Acid thyroglobulin protease activities in human diseased thyroid glands
M Yoshinari1, K Okamura, A Shiroozu
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka City, Japan.
Clinical Endocrinology
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Lysosomal acid protease activity is elevated in various diseased thyroid glands, including hyperfunctioning goiters and carcinomas. This enzyme assay offers insights into thyroid pathophysiology and lysosomal system function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lysosomal acid protease plays a key role in thyroglobulin hydrolysis.
- Understanding its activity in diseased thyroids is crucial for diagnosing and managing thyroid conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify lysosomal acid protease activity in various diseased thyroid glands.
- To correlate protease activity with specific thyroid pathologies and functional states.
Main Methods:
- Assay of lysosomal acid protease activity in lysosome-rich fractions from 78 diseased thyroid glands.
- Inclusion of various conditions: thyrotoxic goitres, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, adenomas, carcinomas, and controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased protease activity observed in thyrotoxic goitres, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas.
- Elevated activity in 'hot' adenomas compared to 'cold' ones; normal activity in multinodular goitres.
- Reduced protease activity noted in irradiated thyroid glands.
Conclusions:
- High protease activity in hyperfunctioning goitres correlates with hormone secretory activity.
- Lysosomal protease activity in cold neoplastic goitres is independent of thyroidal secretory processes.
- Assaying acid protease activity aids in understanding the pathophysiology of the lysosomal system in diseased thyroid glands.