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Lanzolla G, Marinò M, Menconi F. Graves disease: latest understanding of pathogenesis and treatment options. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024:10.1038/s41574-024-01016-5. [PMID: 39039206 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-024-01016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas. The main responsible mechanism is related to autoantibodies that bind and activate the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR). Although Graves hyperthyroidism is relatively common, no causal treatment options are available. Established treatment modalities are antithyroid drugs, which reduce thyroid hormone synthesis, radioactive iodine and surgery. However, emerging drugs that target the main autoantigen (monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, peptides) or block the immune pathway have been recently tested in clinical trials. Graves disease can involve the thyroid exclusively or it can be associated with extrathyroidal manifestations, among which Graves orbitopathy is the most common. The presence of Graves orbitopathy can change the management of the disease. An established treatment for moderate-to-severe Graves orbitopathy is intravenous glucocorticoids. However, recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of Graves orbitopathy have allowed the development of new target-based therapies by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors, lymphocytic infiltration or the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), with several clinical trials providing promising results. This article reviews the new discoveries in the pathogenesis of Graves hyperthyroidism and Graves orbitopathy that offer several important tools in disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lanzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michele Marinò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Menconi
- U.O. Endocrinologia II, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Lanzolla G, Comi S, Cosentino G, Pakdel F, Marinò M. Statins in Graves Orbitopathy: A New Therapeutic Tool. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2023; 39:S29-S39. [PMID: 38054983 DOI: 10.1097/iop.0000000000002525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Graves orbitopathy (GO) is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves disease. Although its pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, GO is commonly considered an autoimmune disease due to loss of self-tolerance against autoantigens shared by thyroid epithelial cells and orbital fibroblasts. High-dose intravenous glucocorticoids (ivGCs) are the most used treatment for moderate-to-severe, active GO, but the addition of other immunomodulating treatments can improve the efficacy of ivGCs. Among the various risk factors that can affect the occurrence of GO, cholesterol may be worthy of interest. Since 2015 the role of cholesterol and cholesterol-lowering medications has been investigated. The purpose of this review is to discuss this topic, thereby offering new therapeutic opportunities for patients with GO. METHODS We searched PubMed for studies published between January 1, 1980 and June 1, 2023, using the search terms "Graves orbitopathy," "thyroid eye disease," "Graves ophthalmopathy," "thyroid ophthalmopathy," "thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy," "endocrine ophthalmopathy," "cholesterol," "lipids," "statins," "low-density lipoprotein," "atorvastatin," and "cholesterol-lowering drugs." Only English-language articles were included. RESULTS A correlation between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the risk of GO development has been reported. Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol has been proposed as a risk factor that can affect the course of GO and the response to ivGCs. The protective role of cholesterol-lowering medications in preventing GO has been also investigated. Statin treatment was found to have potential benefits in reducing the risk of GO in patients with Graves disease. Given these findings, measurement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and treatment of hypercholesterolemia in patients with moderate-to-severe, active GO may be considered before starting ivGCs administration. Recently, a randomized clinical trial aimed at investigating the effects of statins in GO suggested that the addition of oral atorvastatin to ivGCs improves the overall outcome of moderate-to-severe, active GO in hypercholesterolemic patients given ivGCs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, statins seem to have a preventive and therapeutic role in moderate-to-severe active GO. Their efficacy can be related to cholesterol-lowering activity, pleiotropic actions, and interaction with methylprednisolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lanzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Simone Comi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giada Cosentino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Farzad Pakdel
- Department of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Farabi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michele Marinò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Lanzolla G, Puccinelli L, Giudetti M, Comi S, Menconi F, Maglionico MN, Posarelli C, Figus M, Marcocci C, Marinò M. Anti-nuclear autoantibodies in Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:337-344. [PMID: 36030301 PMCID: PMC9859920 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01906-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A relationship between thyroid and non-organ-specific autoimmunity could be relevant for Graves' orbitopathy (GO), which affects connective tissue. We investigated the association between GO and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs). METHODS Retrospective investigation was conducted in 265 patients with Graves' disease (GD), 158 with and 107 without GO. Primary outcome was: prevalence of ANAs in GO vs no-GO. Secondary outcomes were: (1) relationship between ANAs and GO features; (2) prevalence of ANAs in GD compared with non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism [(78 patients with toxic nodular goiter (TNG)]; (3) distribution of ANA patterns. RESULTS ANAs were detected in 212 (80%) GD patients, but prevalence did not differ between GO (79.7%) and no-GO (80.3%). Higher ANA titers (1:160) were more common in GO (51.5 vs 38.3%), but only nearly significantly (OR 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-1; P = 0.059). Proptosis was lower in ANA-positive patients (mean difference: - 1.4 mm; 95% CI from - 2.5 to - 0.3; P = 0.011), in whom nearly significantly lower CAS (Mann-Whitney U: 1.5; P = 0.077) and eyelid aperture (mean difference: - 0.9 mm; 95% CI from - 2 to 0; P = 0.062) were observed. Prevalence of ANAs in GD was lower than in TNG (80 vs 91%; OR 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.9; P = 0.028), but nuclear speckled pattern was more frequent (OR 22.9; 95% CI 1.3-381.3; P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS Although ANAs are not more frequent in GO, they seem to exert a protective role on its severity and on development of GD. A switch of T cell population in ANA-positive patients, resulting in a different phenotype, may be responsible. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lanzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Puccinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Giudetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Comi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Menconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M N Maglionico
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Posarelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Figus
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Marcocci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Marinò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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Cui X, Wang F, Liu C. A review of TSHR- and IGF-1R-related pathogenesis and treatment of Graves' orbitopathy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1062045. [PMID: 36742308 PMCID: PMC9893276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1062045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. There are few review articles on GO research from the perspective of target cells and target antigens. A systematic search of PubMed was performed, focusing mainly on studies published after 2015 that involve the role of target cells, orbital fibroblasts (OFs) and orbital adipocytes (OAs), target antigens, thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and their corresponding antibodies, TSHR antibodies (TRAbs) and IGF-1R antibodies (IGF-1R Abs), in GO pathogenesis and the potentially effective therapies that target TSHR and IGF-1R. Based on the results, OFs may be derived from bone marrow-derived CD34+ fibrocytes. In addition to CD34+ OFs, CD34- OFs are important in the pathogenesis of GO and may be involved in hyaluronan formation. CD34- OFs expressing Slit2 suppress the phenotype of CD34+ OFs. β-arrestin 1 can be involved in TSHR/IGF-1R crosstalk as a scaffold. Research on TRAbs has gradually shifted to TSAbs, TBAbs and the titre of TRAbs. However, the existence and role of IGF-1R Abs are still unknown and deserve further study. Basic and clinical trials of TSHR-inhibiting therapies are increasing, and TSHR is an expected therapeutic target. Teprotumumab has become the latest second-line treatment for GO. This review aims to effectively describe the pathogenesis of GO from the perspective of target cells and target antigens and provide ideas for its fundamental treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Cui
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Futao Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Changchun Central Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Abstract
Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an orbital autoimmune disorder and the main extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. GO affects about 30% of Graves' patients, although fewer than 10% have severe forms requiring immunosuppressive treatments. Management of GO requires a multidisciplinary approach. Medical therapies for active moderate-to-severe forms of GO (traditionally, high-dose glucocorticoids) often provide unsatisfactory results, and subsequently surgeries are often needed to cure residual manifestations. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of current concepts regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, assessment, and treatment of GO, and to present emerging targeted therapies and therapeutic perspectives. Original articles, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses from 1980 to 2021 were searched using the following terms: Graves' disease, Graves' orbitopathy, thyroid eye disease, glucocorticoids, orbital radiotherapy, rituximab, cyclosporine, azathioprine, teprotumumab, TSH-receptor antibody, smoking, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine, and antithyroid drugs. Recent studies suggest a secular trend toward a milder phenotype of GO. Standardized assessment at a thyroid eye clinic allows for a better general management plan. Treatment of active moderate-to-severe forms of GO still relies in most cases on high-dose systemic-mainly intravenous-glucocorticoids as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies-such as mycophenolate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, or orbital radiotherapy-but novel biological agents-including teprotumumab, rituximab, and tocilizumab-have achieved encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Bartalena
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of InsubriaVareseItaly
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Girnita L, Smith TJ, Janssen JAMJL. It Takes Two to Tango: IGF-I and TSH Receptors in Thyroid Eye Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:S1-S12. [PMID: 35167695 PMCID: PMC9359450 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a complex autoimmune disease process. Orbital fibroblasts represent the central orbital immune target. Involvement of the TSH receptor (TSHR) in TED is not fully understood. IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) is overexpressed in several cell types in TED, including fibrocytes and orbital fibroblasts. IGF-IR may form a physical and functional complex with TSHR. OBJECTIVE Review literature relevant to autoantibody generation in TED and whether these induce orbital fibroblast responses directly through TSHR, IGF-IR, or both. EVIDENCE IGF-IR has traditionally been considered a typical tyrosine kinase receptor in which tyrosine residues become phosphorylated following IGF-I binding. Evidence has emerged that IGF-IR possesses kinase-independent activities and can be considered a functional receptor tyrosine kinase/G-protein-coupled receptor hybrid, using the G-protein receptor kinase/β-arrestin system. Teprotumumab, a monoclonal IGF-IR antibody, effectively reduces TED disease activity, proptosis, and diplopia. In addition, the drug attenuates in vitro actions of both IGF-I and TSH in fibrocytes and orbital fibroblasts, including induction of proinflammatory cytokines by TSH and TED IgGs. CONCLUSIONS Although teprotumumab has been proven effective and relatively safe in the treatment of TED, many questions remain pertaining to IGF-IR, its relationship with TSHR, and how the drug might be disrupting these receptor protein/protein interactions. Here, we propose 4 possible IGF-IR activation models that could underlie clinical responses to teprotumumab observed in patients with TED. Teprotumumab is associated with several adverse events, including hyperglycemia and hearing abnormalities. Underpinning mechanisms of these are being investigated. Patients undergoing treatment with drug must be monitored for these and managed with best medical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Girnita
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, BioClinicum, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Terry J Smith
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Joseph A M J L Janssen
- Correspondence: Joseph A.M.J.L. Janssen, MD, PhD, Erasmus Medical Centre, Erasmus MC, Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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Rotondo Dottore G, Torregrossa L, Lanzolla G, Mariotti S, Menconi F, Piaggi P, Cristofani Mencacci L, Posarelli C, Maglionico MN, Dallan I, Figus M, Nardi M, Marcocci C, Basolo F, Marinò M. Role of the mononuclear cell infiltrate in Graves' orbitopathy (GO): results of a large cohort study. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:563-572. [PMID: 34671950 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01692-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The extent to which mononuclear cells and TSH-receptor autoantibodies (TRAb) contribute to Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is not completely defined. Here we investigated the relationship between the immunohistochemical phenotype of orbital infiltrating cells and GO features in a large number of patients. METHODS We conducted an observational cohort study in 76 consecutive patients with GO (16 men and 60 women) who underwent orbital decompression over a period of 18 consecutive months. An ophthalmological evaluation was performed in all patients, as well as immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56 (T-cell markers), CD25 (T and B-cell marker), CD20, CD19 (B-cell markers), and CD138 (plasmacell marker) in specimens collected at decompressive surgery. RESULTS Having established cutoff values for each marker, cell infiltrates were found in 60 patients (78.9%; CD3: 39.4%, CD4 55.2%, CD8 50%, CD56: 0%, CD25: 28.9%, CD20: 51.3%, CD19: 25%, CD138: 26.3%). Eleven (14.4%) stained exclusively for CD138 (plasmacells). Patients with CD4-positive mononuclear cells had a significantly greater GO clinical activity score (CAS) (mean difference 1.07, 95% CI - 0.33 to - 1.82, P = 0.004 by univariate, P = 0.05 by multivariate analysis). CAS as well as the remaining GO features were not affected significantly by the mononuclear cell subpopulations in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS Mononuclear cell infiltrates are present in the majority of GO patients, with a small percentage represented exclusively by plasmacells. CD4 cells exert a major role on GO activity. These findings may represent a further advancement in the comprehension of GO pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rotondo Dottore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - L Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Pathology Unit, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - G Lanzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - S Mariotti
- Retired. Formerly Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042, Italy
| | - F Menconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - P Piaggi
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, Pisa, 56122, Italy
| | - L Cristofani Mencacci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular PathologyENT Unit I, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - C Posarelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular PathologyOphthalmology Unit I, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - M N Maglionico
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular PathologyOphthalmology Unit I, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - I Dallan
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular PathologyENT Unit I, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - M Figus
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular PathologyOphthalmology Unit I, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - M Nardi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular PathologyOphthalmology Unit I, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - C Marcocci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - F Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Pathology Unit, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - M Marinò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Units, University Hospital of Pisa, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy.
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Xin J, Cheng W, Yu Y, Chen J, Zhang X, Shao S. Diosgenin From Dioscorea Nipponica Rhizoma Against Graves’ Disease—On Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:806829. [PMID: 35140607 PMCID: PMC8819592 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.806829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dioscorea nipponica rhizoma (DNR) is commonly used for the cure of hyperthyroidism resulting from Graves’ disease (GD) or thyroid nodules. However, its therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to utilize network pharmacology integrated molecular docking and experimental verification to reveal the potential pharmacological mechanism of DNR against GD. First, the active componds of DNR were collected from the HERB database and a literature search was conducted. Then, according to multisource database, the predicted genes of DNR and GD were collected to generate networks. The analysis of protein–protein interaction and GO enrichment and KEGG pathway were employed to discover main mechanisms associated with therapeutic targets. Moreover, molecular docking simulation was applied in order to verify the interactions between the drug and target. Finally, our experiments validated the ameliorated effects of diosgenin, the main component of DNR, in terms of phosphorylation deactivation in IGF-1R, which in turn inhibited the phosphorylation and activation of PI3K-AKT and Rap1-MEK signaling pathways, promoting cell apoptosis and GD remission. Our present study provided a foundation for further investigation of the in-depth mechanisms of diosgenin in GD and will provide new scientific evidence for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Xin
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hispital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
| | - Wencong Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
| | - Yongbing Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hispital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
| | - Xinhuan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hispital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
- *Correspondence: Shanshan Shao, ; Xinhuan Zhang,
| | - Shanshan Shao
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Shanshan Shao, ; Xinhuan Zhang,
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Lanzolla G, Menconi F, Nicolì F, Posarelli C, Maglionico MN, Figus M, Nardi M, Marcocci C, Marinò M. Beneficial effect of low-dose radioiodine ablation for Graves' orbitopathy: results of a retrospective study. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2575-2579. [PMID: 33844165 PMCID: PMC8572201 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Graves' orbitopathy (GO) reflects an autoimmune response against antigens expressed by the thyroid and orbital tissues. Elimination of thyroid antigens may be beneficial for GO. Total thyroid ablation (TTA) [thyroidectomy (Tx), followed by 30 mCi of radioiodine] was shown to exert a beneficial effect on GO following intravenous glucocorticoids (ivGC) compared with Tx alone. Here, we investigated retrospectively whether TTA performed with a 15 mCi of radioiodine still maintains advantages over Tx. METHODS Thirty-two subjects, 13 treated with TTA (performed with 15 mCi of radioiodine) and 19 with Tx alone, all with moderately severe, active GO, treated with ivGC, were studied. The primary objective was the outcome of GO at 24 weeks based on a composite evaluation. RESULTS The two groups did not differ at baseline in terms of sex, age, smoking habits, TSH, anti-TSH receptor autoantibodies, GO duration and eye features. The proportion of GO responders at 24 weeks was greater in the TTA (61.5%) than in the Tx group (26.3%, P = 0.046). In contrast, GO outcome at 48 weeks did not differ between the two groups (69.2% vs 52.6% of responder in TTA and Tx group, respectively). The outcome of the individual GO features did not differ between the two groups both a 24 and 48 months. CONCLUSIONS The advantage of total thyroid ablation seems to be a more rapid response for GO to ivGC treatment. Prospective, randomized studies in a larger number of subjects are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lanzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Menconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Nicolì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Posarelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmopathy Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Maglionico
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmopathy Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Figus
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmopathy Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Nardi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmopathy Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Marcocci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Marinò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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Nilsson A, Tsoumani K, Planck T. Statins Decrease the Risk of Orbitopathy in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Graves Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:1325-1332. [PMID: 33560351 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effect of statins and other lipid-lowering agents on the development of Graves orbitopathy (GO) in patients with newly diagnosed Graves disease (GD). METHODS Our sample included the full adult population of individuals living in Sweden with newly diagnosed GD between 2005 and 2018 (n = 34 894). We compared the GO incidence in statin users (n = 5574) and nonusers (n = 34 409) by applying Cox regression with a time-varying exposure variable. We adjusted for age, sex, and treatment for hyperthyroidism in the multivariate analyses. RESULTS Periods of nonusage lasted for a median of 4.3 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.2-8.4), whereas periods of usage lasted for a median of 4.7 years (IQR 2.0-8.1). Among statin users, 77.1% had used simvastatin, 28.9% atorvastatin, and 8.2% had used other statins. Statin users were found to be significantly less likely to develop GO. In the main analysis based on the full cohort, the unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 0.74 (CI 0.65-0.84, P < .001), whereas full adjustment altered the effect to 0.87 (CI 0.76-1.00, P = .04). The main results were largely driven by men; the fully adjusted HR was 0.78 (CI 0.58-1.04, P = .09) for men and 0.91 (CI 0.79-1.06, P = .24) for women. Lipid-lowering agents other than statins did not exhibit a similar protective effect. CONCLUSION In newly diagnosed patients with GD, treatment with statins may protect against the development of GO. Statins should be investigated in a clinical trial as a preventive treatment for GO in newly diagnosed patients with GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Nilsson
- EPI@LUND, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kleoniki Tsoumani
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tereza Planck
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Fang S, Lu Y, Huang Y, Zhou H, Fan X. Mechanisms That Underly T Cell Immunity in Graves' Orbitopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:648732. [PMID: 33868176 PMCID: PMC8049604 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.648732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Graves' orbitopathy (GO), also known as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, is the most common ocular abnormality of Graves' disease. It is a disfiguring, invalidating, and potentially blinding orbital disease mediated by an interlocking and complicated immune network. Self-reactive T cells directly against thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor-bearing orbital fibroblasts contribute to autoimmune inflammation and tissue remodeling in GO orbital connective tissues. To date, T helper (Th) 1 (cytotoxic leaning) and Th2 (antibody leaning) cell subsets and an emerging role of Th17 (fibrotic leaning) cells have been implicated in GO pathogenesis. The potential feedback loops between orbital native residential CD34- fibroblasts, CD34+ infiltrating fibrocytes, and effector T cells may affect the T cell subset bias and the skewed pattern of cytokine production in the orbit, thereby determining the outcomes of GO autoimmune reactions. Characterization of the T cell subsets that drive GO and the cytokines they express may significantly advance our understanding of orbital autoimmunity and the development of promising therapeutic strategies against pathological T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yazhuo Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huifang Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xianqun Fan, ; Huifang Zhou,
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xianqun Fan, ; Huifang Zhou,
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Krieger CC, Neumann S, Gershengorn MC. Is There Evidence for IGF1R-Stimulating Abs in Graves' Orbitopathy Pathogenesis? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6561. [PMID: 32911689 PMCID: PMC7555308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the evidence against direct stimulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors (IGF1Rs) by autoantibodies in Graves' orbitopathy (GO) pathogenesis. We describe a model of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR)/IGF1R crosstalk and present evidence that observations indicating IGF1R's role in GO could be explained by this mechanism. We evaluate the evidence for and against IGF1R as a direct target of stimulating IGF1R antibodies (IGF1RAbs) and conclude that GO pathogenesis does not involve directly stimulating IGF1RAbs. We further conclude that the preponderance of evidence supports TSHR as the direct and only target of stimulating autoantibodies in GO and maintain that the TSHR should remain a major target for further development of a medical therapy for GO in concert with drugs that target TSHR/IGF1R crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marvin C. Gershengorn
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.C.K.); (S.N.)
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Naselli A, Moretti D, Regalbuto C, Arpi ML, Lo Giudice F, Frasca F, Belfiore A, Le Moli R. Evidence That Baseline Levels of Low-Density Lipoproteins Cholesterol Affect the Clinical Response of Graves' Ophthalmopathy to Parenteral Corticosteroids. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:609895. [PMID: 33414766 PMCID: PMC7784376 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.609895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High dose intravenous glucocorticoid (ivGC) therapy is the first line treatment in moderate to severe Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and is associated with a clinical response rate ranging from 50% to 80%. Recently, a positive correlation between total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDLc) with GO presentation and activity has been described. OBJECTIVE We aimed at evaluating whether, in patients with moderate to severe active GO treated with ivGC therapy, cholesterol, and LDLc could represent valuable predictive factors of medium-term GO outcome. METHODS This single center retrospective study was conducted in a consecutive series of 87 patients undergone ivGC therapy because affected by moderate to severe active GO. Clinical outcome of GO was evaluated at week 6 (W6) and 12 (W12) in respect to baseline conditions (week 0) by the seven points CAS according to EUGOGO recommendations. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed for the outcome variable W12CAS. RESULTS In patients with active GO, an early positive clinical response to ivGC therapy (as evaluated by CAS at 6W) was a strong determinant (OR=13) of the clinical outcome at week 12. Moreover, high levels of LDLc at baseline were positively associated with a reduction in the likelihood of being classified as improved at 12W. Patients with LDLc >193.6 mg/dl were very likely to respond negatively to ivGC therapy independently from the response at 6W. Based on these results, we propose a predictive decision-making model to be tested in future prospective studies. DISCUSSION We found that, in patients with active GO, both an early clinical response to ivGC therapy and baseline LDLc levels are significant determinants of GO outcome (W12CAS). These data support the need of a cholesterol-lowering treatment before addressing these patients to ivGC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rosario Le Moli
- *Correspondence: Rosario Le Moli, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-1398-9271
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Bartalena L, Piantanida E, Gallo D, Lai A, Tanda ML. Epidemiology, Natural History, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Graves' Orbitopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:615993. [PMID: 33329408 PMCID: PMC7734282 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.615993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GO is the most frequent extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease, although it may rarely occur in euthyroid/hypothyroid patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. It is a relatively infrequent disorder, and men tend to have more severe ocular involvement at an older age. The prevalence of GO is lower than in the past among patients with recent onset Graves' hyperthyroidism, and moderate-to-severe forms requiring aggressive treatments are no more than 5-6% of all cases of GO. After an initial inflammatory (active) phase and a phase of stabilization (plateau phase), GO tends to improve and eventually inactivates (inactive or burnt-out phase). Minimal-to-mild GO often remits spontaneously, but complete restitutio ad integrum almost never occurs when GO is more than mild. Several risk factors contribute to its development on a yet undefined genetic background. Cigarette smoking is the most important of them. Early diagnosis, control and removal of modifiable risk factors, early treatment of mild forms of GO may effectively limit the risk of progression to more severe forms, which have a profound and dramatic impact on the quality of life of affected individuals, and remain a therapeutic challenge, often requiring long-lasting and multiple medical and surgical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Bartalena
- *Correspondence: Luigi Bartalena, , orcid.org/0000000184475449
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