Iodine Contributes to Thyroid Autoimmunity in Humans by Unmasking a Cryptic Epitope on Thyroglobulin

• DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2912
• Publication Date: 2013-09-25T09:37:34Z
• Authors: Francesco Latrofa; Emilio Fiore; Teresa Rago; Lucia Antonangeli; Lucia Montanelli; Debora Ricci; Maria Annateresa ...; Maria Scutari; Monica Frigeri; Massimo Tonacchera; Paolo Vitti
• Keywords: Thyroglobulin; Thyroid peroxidase; Autoimmune thyroiditis; Anti-thyroid autoantibodies

The mechanisms linking thyroid autoimmunity and iodine use in humans are unknown.Our aim was to correlate intake, autoimmunity, recognition of thyroglobulin (Tg) epitopes after implementation prophylaxis.The general community living an Italian village evaluated.Thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAb), thyroperoxidase (TPOAb), urinary excretion were assessed 906 iodized salt users (IS-users) 389 nonusers (IS-nonusers). Ultrasound (US) performed identify hypoechogenicity, suggestive Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT). TgAb epitope pattern 16 IS-users 17 IS-nonusers evaluated by inhibition binding assay Tg, using human monoclonal TgAb-Fab directed A, B, C, D on Tg.Median slightly higher than (112.0 μg/L vs 86.5 μg/L; P < .01). TgAb, not TPOAb, more frequent (18.9% 13.6%, = .02). HT-US found 87 subjects, among whom both positive (58.4% 31.8%, .03) TPOAb (61.5% 45.4%. .04) IS-users. In this group significantly serum levels (median 108 U/mL 30 U/mL; .02), but present. Iodized had no effect the 1208 non subjects. B Tg (27.5% 3.0%, .047).Iodine-induced is related unmasking a cryptic contributes relationship humans.