Biosynthesis of thyroid hormone: basic and clinical aspects

Is There a Link between Thyroid Peroxidase Gene Promoter Polymorphisms and Autoimmune Thyroiditis in the Polish Population?

(1) Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism and one of the most frequent organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Its pathogenesis is polygenic and still requires further research. The aim of the study was to assess, for the first time in the Caucasian population, the role of selected TPO gene promoter polymorphisms (rs2071399 G/A, rs2071400C/T, rs2071402 A/G, and rs2071403 A/G) in the development of AIT. A total of 237 patients diagnosed with AIT and 130 healthy controls were genotyped for four TPO gene polymorphisms, and the results were statistically analyzed to check for the role of these polymorphisms. There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the studied TPO gene promoter polymorphisms between patients and controls (p > 0.05). The haplotype distribution (rs2071400-rs2071402-rs2071403) between the two studied groups was similar for the most common variants (CGA, CAG, TGG). Only a rare haplotype (CGG) occurred more frequently among patients compared to controls (p = 0.04). The studied TPO gene promoter polymorphisms did not show an association with susceptibility to AIT in the Caucasian Polish population, contrary to the results in Japanese patients.

Toxicity Assessment of 91-Day Repeated Inhalation Exposure to an Indoor School Air Mixture of PCBs

School indoor air contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released from older building materials and paint pigments may pose health risks to children, as well as teachers and staff, by inhalation of PCBs. The health effects of long-term inhalation exposure to PCBs are poorly understood. We conducted a comprehensive toxicity assessment of 91-day repeated inhalation exposure to a lab-generated mixture of PCBs designed to emulate indoor school air, combining transcriptomics, metabolomics, and neurobehavioral outcomes. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to school air mixture (SAM+) at a concentration of 45.5 ± 5.9 μg/m3 ∑209PCB or filtered air 4 h/day, 6 days/week for 13 weeks using nose-only exposure systems. The congener-specific PCB body burden was quantified in major tissues using GC-MS/MS. The generated SAM+ vapor recapitulated the target school air profile with a similarity coefficient, cos θ of 0.91. PCB inhalation yielded 875-9930 ng/g ∑209PCBlipid weight levels in tissues in the following ascending order: brain < liver < lung < serum < adipose tissue. We observed that PCB exposure impaired memory, induced anxiety-like behavior, significantly reduced white blood cell counts, mildly disrupted metabolomics in plasma, and influenced transcription processes in the brain with 274 upregulated and 58 downregulated genes. With relatively high exposure and tissue loading, evidence of toxicity from half the end points tested was seen in the rats.

Structure and genetic variants of thyroglobulin: Pathophysiological implications

Thyroglobulin (TG) plays a main role in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones (TH), and, thus, it is involved in a wide range of vital functions throughout the life cycle of all vertebrates. Deficiency of TH production due to TG genetic variants causes congenital hypothyroidism (CH), with devastating consequences such as intellectual disability and impaired growth if untreated. To this day, 229 variations in the human TG gene have been identified while the 3D structure of TG has recently appeared. Although TG deficiency is thought to be of autosomal recessive inheritance, the introduction of massive sequencing platforms led to the identification of a variety of monoallelic TG variants (combined with mutations in other thyroid gene products) opening new questions regarding the possibility of oligogenic inheritance of the disease. In this review we discuss remarkable advances in the understanding of the TG architecture and the pathophysiology of CH associated with TG defects, providing new insights for the management of congenital disorders as well as counseling benefits for families with a history of TG abnormalities. Moreover, we summarize relevant aspects of TH synthesis within TG and offer an updated analysis of animal and cellular models of TG deficiency for pathophysiological studies of thyroid dyshormonogenesis while highlighting perspectives for new investigations. All in all, even though there has been sustained progress in understanding the role of TG in thyroid pathophysiology during the past 50 years, functional characterization of TG variants remains an important area of study for future advancement in the field.

Defects in protein folding in congenital hypothyroidism

Primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common endocrine disease in children and one of the most common preventable causes of both cognitive and motor deficits. CH is a heterogeneous group of thyroid disorders in which inadequate production of thyroid hormone occurs due to defects in proteins involved in the gland organogenesis (dysembryogenesis) or in multiple steps of thyroid hormone biosynthesis (dyshormonogenesis). Dysembryogenesis is associated with genes responsible for the development or growth of thyroid cells: such as NKX2-1, FOXE1, PAX8, NKX2-5, TSHR, TBX1, CDCA8, HOXD3 and HOXB3 resulting in agenesis, hypoplasia or ectopia of thyroid gland. Nevertheless, the etiology of the dysembryogenesis remains unknown for most cases. In contrast, the majority of patients with dyshormonogenesis has been linked to mutations in the SLC5A5, SLC26A4, SLC26A7, TPO, DUOX1, DUOX2, DUOXA1, DUOXA2, IYD or TG genes, which usually originate goiter. About 800 genetic mutations have been reported to cause CH in patients so far, including missense, nonsense, in-frame deletion and splice-site variations. Many of these mutations are implicated in specific domains, cysteine residues or glycosylation sites, affecting the maturation of nascent proteins that go through the secretory pathway. Consequently, misfolded proteins are permanently entrapped in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are translocated to the cytosol for proteasomal degradation by the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) machinery. Despite of all these remarkable advances in the field of the CH pathogenesis, several points on the development of this disease remain to be elucidated. The continuous study of thyroid gene mutations with the application of new technologies will be useful for the understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms related to CH. In this review we summarize the present status of knowledge on the disorders in the protein folding caused by thyroid genes mutations.

Dual oxidase 1 and NADPH oxidase 2 exert favorable effects in cervical cancer patients by activating immune response

BACKGROUND

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) not only can promote cancer progression, but also they have recently emerged as mediators of the mucosal immune system. However, the roles and clinical relevance of the collective or individual NADPH oxidase (NOX) family genes in cervical cancer have not been studied.

METHODS

We investigated the clinical significance of the NOX family genes using data from 307 patients with cervical cancer obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Bioinformatics and experimental analyses were performed to examine NOX family genes in cervical cancer patients.

RESULTS

Dual Oxidase1 (DUOX1) and Dual Oxidase 2 (DUOX2) mRNA levels were upregulated 57.9- and 67.5-fold, respectively, in cervical cancer patients. The protein expression of DUOX1, DUOX2, and NOX2 also identified in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues. Especially, DUOX1 and DUOX2 mRNA levels were significantly increased in patients infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) 16. Moreover, high DUOX1 mRNA levels were significantly associated with both favorable overall survival and disease-free survival in cervical cancer patients. High NOX2 mRNA levels was significantly associated with favorable overall survival. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed that high DUOX1 and NOX2 expression was significantly correlated with the enrichment of immune pathways related to interferon (IFN)-alpha, IFN-gamma, and natural killer (NK) cell signaling. Cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of known RNA transcript analyses indicated that the fraction of innate immune cells, including NK cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, and mast cells, was elevated in patients with high DUOX1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

DUOX1 and NOX2 expression are associated with mucosal immunity activated in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and predicts a favorable prognosis in cervical cancer patients.

Oxidative stress markers, trace elements, and endocrine disrupting chemicals in children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether bisphenol A (BPA) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure have any association with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and its biomarkers and to determine whether oxidative stress biomarkers and trace element levels showed any alterations in children with HT. We found that superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities are lower in HT group from control (24% and 46%, respectively, p < 0.05). Zinc levels were significantly lower in HT group vs. control. In addition, the levels of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) which is the primary metabolite for DEHP, were markedly higher in HT group compared to control (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between urinary BPA levels and fT4. In children with HT, oxidant/antioxidant balance is changed and these differences may be related by EDC exposure, the importance of which should be elucidated with further studies.

Redox Signaling of NADPH Oxidases Regulates Oxidative Stress Responses, Immunity and Aging

An accumulating body of evidence suggests that transient or physiological reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases act as a redox signal to re-establish homeostasis. The capacity to re-establish homeostasis progressively declines during aging but is maintained in long-lived animals to promote healthy aging. In the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, ROS generated by dual oxidases (Duox) are important for extracellular matrix integrity, pathogen defense, oxidative stress resistance, and longevity. The Duox enzymatic activity is tightly regulated and under cellular control. Developmental molting cycles, pathogen infections, toxins, mitochondrial-derived ROS, drugs, and small GTPases (e.g., RHO-1) can activate Duox (BLI-3) to generate ROS, whereas NADPH oxidase inhibitors and negative regulators, such as MEMO-1, can inhibit Duox from generating ROS. Three mechanisms-of-action have been discovered for the Duox/BLI-3-generated ROS: (1) enzymatic activity to catalyze crosslinking of free tyrosine ethyl ester in collagen bundles to stabilize extracellular matrices, (2) high ROS bursts/levels to kill pathogens, and (3) redox signaling activating downstream kinase cascades to transcription factors orchestrating oxidative stress and immunity responses to re-establish homeostasis. Although Duox function at the cell surface is well established, recent genetic and biochemical data also suggests a novel role for Duoxs at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane to control redox signaling. Evidence underlying these mechanisms initiated by ROS from NADPH oxidases, and their relevance for human aging, are discussed in this review. Appropriately controlling NADPH oxidase activity for local and physiological redox signaling to maintain cellular homeostasis might be a therapeutic strategy to promote healthy aging.

The polymorphisms in the thyroid peroxidase gene were associated with the development of autoimmune thyroid disease and the serum levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody

Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's disease (HD) are well known autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), and the severity and intractability of AITDs varies among patients. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is a thyroid-specific antigen. The levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were higher in patients with HD and may be associated with thyroid destruction. In this study, we genotyped eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TPO gene to clarify the association of TPO gene polymorphisms with the development, severity and intractability of AITD. We genotyped TPO rs2071399G/A, rs2071400C/T, rs2071402A/G, rs2071403A/G, rs1126799C/T, rs1126797T/C, rs732609A/C, and rs2048722A/G polymorphisms in 145 patients with GD, 147 patients with HD and 92 healthy controls by PCR-RFLP method. TPO rs2071400 T carriers (CT + TT genotypes) were more frequent in AITD, GD, and HD patients (p=0.0079, 0.0041, and 0.0488, respectively). The TPO rs2071403 GG genotype was more frequent in AITD, GD, and HD patients (p=0.0227, 0.0465, and 0.0305, respectively). There was no significant association between the SNPs and the prognosis of AITD. Serum levels of TPOAb were significantly higher in AITD patients with TPO rs2071400 T carriers (CT + TT genotypes) than in those with the CC genotype (p=0.0295), and were also significantly higher in AITD patients with TPO rs2048722 T carriers (CT + TT genotypes) than in those with the CC genotype (p=0.0056). In conclusion, TPO rs2071400 and rs2071403 polymorphisms were associated with the development of HD and GD, but not with the prognosis. Moreover, TPO rs2071400 and rs2048722 polymorphisms were associated with the serum levels of TPOAb.

Development of a UPLC-TQ/MS Approach for the Determination of Eleven Bioactive Components in Haizao Yuhu Decoction Plus-Minus Haizao and Gancao Drug Combination after Oral Administration in a Rat Model of Hypothyroidism

Haizao Yuhu Decoction (HYD) has been used for approximately 500 years and is well-known in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its efficacy in the treatment of thyroid-related diseases. In this study, a rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of liquiritin, naringin, hesperidin, peimine, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, bergapten, nobiletin, osthole, and glycyrrhetinic acid in rat plasma to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of different HYD prescriptions in a rat model of hypothyroidism. The differences in pharmacokinetic parameters among the groups were compared by Student's t-test. The pharmacokinetic profile of liquiritin, naringin, hesperidin, peimine, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, bergapten, nobiletin, osthole, and glycyrrhetinic acid showed significant differences between Haizao and Gancao anti-drug combination and other herbs in HYD. These results may contribute to the rational clinical use of HYD and reveal the compatibility profile of the Haizao and Gancao anti-drug combination.

Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying adverse reactions associated with a kinase inhibitor using systems toxicology

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Targeted kinase inhibitors are an important class of agents in anticancer therapeutics, but their limited tolerability hampers their clinical performance. Identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of adverse reactions will be helpful in establishing a rational method for the management of clinically adverse reactions. Here, we selected sunitinib as a model and demonstrated that the molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse reactions associated with kinase inhibitors can efficiently be identified using a systems toxicological approach.

METHODS

First, toxicological target candidates were short-listed by comparing the human kinase occupancy profiles of sunitinib and sorafenib, and the molecular mechanisms underlying adverse reactions were predicted by sequential simulations using publicly available mathematical models. Next, to evaluate the probability of these predictions, a clinical observation study was conducted in six patients treated with sunitinib. Finally, mouse experiments were performed for detailed confirmation of the hypothesized molecular mechanisms and to evaluate the efficacy of a proposed countermeasure against adverse reactions to sunitinib.

RESULTS

In silico simulations indicated the possibility that sunitinib-mediated off-target inhibition of phosphorylase kinase leads to the generation of oxidative stress in various tissues. Clinical observations of patients and mouse experiments confirmed the validity of this prediction. The simulation further suggested that concomitant use of an antioxidant may prevent sunitinib-mediated adverse reactions, which was confirmed in mouse experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

A systems toxicological approach successfully predicted the molecular mechanisms underlying clinically adverse reactions associated with sunitinib and was used to plan a rational method for the management of these adverse reactions.

Orchestrating change: The thyroid hormones and GI-tract development in flatfish metamorphosis

Metamorphosis in flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) is a late post-embryonic developmental event that prepares the organism for the larval-to-juvenile transition. Thyroid hormones (THs) play a central role in flatfish metamorphosis and the basic elements that constitute the thyroid axis in vertebrates are all present at this stage. The advantage of using flatfish to study the larval-to-juvenile transition is the profound change in external morphology that accompanies metamorphosis making it easy to track progression to climax. This important lifecycle transition is underpinned by molecular, cellular, structural and functional modifications of organs and tissues that prepare larvae for a successful transition to the adult habitat and lifestyle. Understanding the role of THs in the maturation of organs and tissues with diverse functions during metamorphosis is a major challenge. The change in diet that accompanies the transition from a pelagic larvae to a benthic juvenile in flatfish is associated with structural and functional modifications in the gastrointestinal tract (GI-tract). The present review will focus on the maturation of the GI-tract during metamorphosis giving particular attention to organogenesis of the stomach a TH triggered event. Gene transcripts and biological processes that are associated with GI-tract maturation during Atlantic halibut metamorphosis are identified. Gene ontology analysis reveals core biological functions and putative TH-responsive genes that underpin TH-driven metamorphosis of the GI-tract in Atlantic halibut. Deciphering the specific role remains a challenge. Recent advances in characterizing the molecular, structural and functional modifications that accompany the appearance of a functional stomach in Atlantic halibut are considered and future research challenges identified.

Assessment of oxidative damage to proteins and DNA in urine of newborn infants by a validated UPLC-MS/MS approach

The assessment of oxidative stress is highly relevant in clinical Perinatology as it is associated to adverse outcomes in newborn infants. This study summarizes results from the validation of an Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of the urinary concentrations of a set of endogenous biomarkers, capable to provide a valid snapshot of the oxidative stress status applicable in human clinical trials, especially in the field of Perinatology. The set of analytes included are phenylalanine (Phe), para-tyrosine (p-Tyr), ortho-tyrosine (o-Tyr), meta-tyrosine (m-Tyr), 3-NO₂-tyrosine (3NO₂-Tyr), 3-Cl-tyrosine (3Cl-Tyr), 2′-deoxyguanosine (2dG) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG). Following the FDA-based guidelines, appropriate levels of accuracy and precision, as well as adequate levels of sensitivity with limits of detection (LODs) in the low nanomolar (nmol/L) range were confirmed after method validation. The validity of the proposed UPLC-MS/MS method was assessed by analysing urine samples from a clinical trial in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants randomized to be resuscitated with two different initial inspiratory fractions of oxygen.

Naturally occurring organoiodines

This review, with 290 references, presents the fascinating area of iodinated natural products over the past hundred years for the first time.

Association between TPO gene polymorphisms and Anti-TPO level in Tehranian population: TLGS

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene variations are one cause of thyroid autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the T1936C, T2229C and A2257C polymorphisms of the TPO gene and Anti-TPO level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, 188 individuals (86 males and 102 females), aged 20-80 years, were randomly selected from among the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) population. A2257C and T2229C SNPs were detected with RFLP by use of BsrI and Eco57I as the restriction enzymes respectively, while the T1936C SNP was determined with ARMS-PCR.

RESULTS

In the presence of the C allele of T1936C, Anti-TPO level was significantly increased (CC: 238±43.3, CT: 47.7±15.9, TT: 74.1±11.3 IU/L p=0.002); however, this association was attenuated after adjustment for sex and age (p=0.059). No significant difference, before and after adjustment, was found in Anti-TPO level in the presence of T2229C SNP (CC: 129.1±24.5, CT: 43.5±12.6, TT: 126.5±13.8 IU/L p=0.196). The association between A2257C and Anti-TPO level was only significant after adjustment for potential confounders (p=0.007). The association between ATC and CTT haplotypes and Anti-TPO level was significant (p=0.023, 0.021 respectively), the association between CTT and Anti-TPO concentration was also significant after adjustment for sex (p=0.014).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study confirmed the association between TPO gene polymorphisms and Anti-TPO level in the Tehranian population.

Radioiodine therapy of thyroid carcinoma following Pax-8 gene transfer

The thyroid transcription factor Pax-8 could bind with the promoter/enhancer of thyroid-specific genes such as thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroperoxidase (TPO) and sodium iodide symporter (NIS), and regulate the expression of these proteins in thyrocyte. Promoting iodide accumulation in tumor cells by re-expression of Pax-8 provides a possible strategy for radioiodine therapy of tumor. Therefore, we investigated the effect of Pax-8 gene transfer on radioiodine therapy of thyroid carcinoma. The human Pax-8 gene was transfected into the human thyroid carcinoma (K1 and F133) cells by the recombinant adenovirus vector. Although the NIS mRNA was not detected, the expression of mRNA and proteins of Tg and TPO in AdPax-8-infected F133 cells were activated by Pax-8. Iodide uptake in thyroid carcinoma cells was reactivated by Pax-8 (increasing 3.3-fold in K1 cells and 5.7-fold in F133 cells). Moreover, Pax-8 promoted iodide organification and the retention time of iodine in Pax-8-expressing cells apparently prolonged in vitro and in vivo (P<0.05). Pax-8-expressing thyroid carcinoma cells were selectively killed by radioiodine. The AdPax-8-infected tumors in vivo clearly visualized in scanning images at 12 h after administration of radioiodine. These results indicate that Pax-8 can promote iodide uptake, and specifically prolong the retention time of iodide in thyroid cancer in vitro and in vivo by promoting the expression of TPO and Tg proteins. Pax-8 gene transfection may lead to effective radioiodine therapy of tumor.

The influence of amino-acid supplementation, gestational age and time on thyroxine levels in premature neonates

OBJECTIVE

Newborn screening laboratories vary in the values that are used to define congenital hypothyroidism. Defining congenital hypothyroidism is particularly complex in premature neonates because prematurely born infants often have a low free thyroxine value and low or normal TSH value, termed as transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity. In a multicenter (n=11 sites) trial, we randomly allocated premature neonates with a gestational age of 23 to 29 and 6/7 weeks to one of two parenteral nutrition approaches. The primary objective of our trial was to measure the effect of two distinct strategies of parenteral nutrition on neonatal growth and blood amino acids. A protocol defined secondary aim of our clinical trial was the evaluation of the influence of gestational age, time and the degree of amino-acid supplementation on total thyroxine levels. We hypothesized that an increase of amino-acid supplementation would be associated with the normalization of serum amino acids and that this would improve thyroxine synthesis.

STUDY DESIGN

Premature neonates (23 to 29 and 6/7 weeks) were randomly allocated to one of two approaches to intravenous amino-acid administration. In one group, amino-acid supplementation started at 1.0 g kg(-1) per day and advanced by 0.5 g kg(-1) per day to a maximum of 2.5 g kg(-1) per day (2.5 group). The other group received amino acids at 1.5 g kg(-1) per day and advanced by 1.0 g kg(-1) per day to a maximum of 3.5 g kg(-1) per day (3.5 group). Filter paper blood spots were obtained on the day of randomization, and on days 7 and 28 of age to monitor laboratory values.

RESULT

Enrollment included 122 neonates, 64 in the 3.5 group and 58 in the 2.5 group. There were no differences in demographics or baseline characteristics between the two treatment groups. There were no significant differences in thyroid levels at baseline, on days 7 and 28 between the two treatment groups. Growth was similar in both groups. It was noted that thyroxine levels changed over time and that the changes with time were greatest in the most preterm neonates.

CONCLUSION

The degree of amino-acid supplementation does not influence thyroxine levels and both time from birth and gestational age do influence thyroxine levels.

A biologically based dose-response model for dietary iodide and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in the adult rat: evaluation of iodide deficiency

A biologically based dose-response (BBDR) model was developed for dietary iodide and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in adult rats. This BBDR-HPT axis model includes submodels for dietary iodide, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and the thyroid hormones, T(4) and T(3). The submodels are linked together via key biological processes, including (1) the influence of T(4) on TSH production (the HPT axis negative feedback loop), (2) stimulation of thyroidal T(4) and T(3) production by TSH, (3) TSH upregulation of the thyroid sodium (Na(+))/iodide symporter, and (4) recycling of iodide from metabolism of thyroid hormones. The BBDR-HPT axis model was calibrated to predict steady-state concentrations of iodide, T(4), T(3), and TSH for the euthyroid rat whose dietary intake of iodide was 20 mug/day. Then the BBDR-HPT axis model was used to predict perturbations in the HPT axis caused by insufficient dietary iodide intake, and simulation results were compared to experimental findings. The BBDR-HPT axis model was successful in simulating perturbations in serum T(4), TSH, and thyroid iodide stores for low-iodide diets of 0.33-1.14 mug/day. Model predictions of serum T(3) concentrations were inconsistent with observations in some cases. BBDR-HPT axis model simulations show a steep dose-response relationship between dietary intake of iodide and serum T(4) and TSH when dietary iodide intake becomes insufficient (less than 2 mug/day) to sustain the HPT axis. This BBDR-HPT axis model can be linked with physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for thyroid-active chemicals to evaluate and predict dose-dependent HPT axis alterations based on hypothesized modes of action. To support continued development of this model, future studies should include time course data after perturbation of the HPT axis to capture changes in endogenous iodide, serum TSH, T(4), and T(3).

The role of selenium in thyroid autoimmunity and cancer

The essential micronutrient selenium (Se) occurs in the form of the amino acid selenocysteine in selenoproteins which exert various effects, while maintaining the cell reduction-oxidation balance. The discovery that all three deiodinases that convert thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3) contain selenocysteine illustrates how the production of the active thyroid hormone is dependent on Se status. The selenoenzyme families of glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and thioredoxin reductases (TRx) possess powerful antioxidant properties and form a complex defense system that protects thyrocytes from oxidative damage. Se supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis seems to modify the immune response, probably by enhancing plasma GPx activity and decreasing excess levels of hydrogen peroxide. However, the enhancement of immunocompetence may also be the result of the synergistic action of various selenoproteins and not exclusively of GPx. There is evidence supporting considerable oxidative stress in Graves' disease where Se supplementation, because of its free radical scavenging properties, may increase the enzymatic antioxidant activity. TRx has been found significantly elevated in GD revealing its involvement in the pathogenesis of this condition and representing a potential future target for therapeutical intervention. Low Se serum levels have also been associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer and may play a role in carcinogenesis. It is noteworthy, that the Food and Drug Administration has recently determined that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a qualified health claim for Se and cancer. Furthermore, the recent discovery that defects in the SECIS-binding protein 2 (SBP2), which is an indispensable protein for the incorporation of Se into the selenoproteins, result in thyroid dysfunction, together with the recognition of the many roles of selenoprotein P in Se distribution and storage in the human body, reveal not only the indispensability of Se and the selenoproteins as essential factors in thyroid metabolism and pathogenesis, but open up new prospects for enhanced treatment.

Development of a validated HPLC method for the determination of iodotyrosines and iodothyronines in pharmaceuticals and biological samples using solid phase extraction

Identification, separation and quantitation of iodoaminoacids, is essential for the biological research and the clinical diagnosis of thyroid gland disease. Under this aspect a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of thyroid gland hormones and some of their primary metabolites, 3,3',5,5'-tetra-iodo-L-thyronine (L-thyroxine), 3,3',5-tri-iodo-L-thyronine, 3,5-di-iodo-L-thyronine, L-thyronine, 3,5-di-iodo-L-tyrosine, 3-iodo-L-tyrosine and l-tyrosine. Analysis was performed on an Inertsil C(18) column with photodiode-array detection, using a 25 min gradient scale program of a binary mobile phase consisted of 0.1% aqueous solution of trifluoroacetic acid at pH 3 as solvent A and acetonitrile as solvent B, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Quantitation was performed using were obtained using theophylline as internal standard. The method was applied to commercial pharmaceuticals and biological samples (serum, urine and tissue). Drug-free urine and serum samples were spiked with known concentrations of the analytes standards and pretreated by solid phase extraction to remove matrix interferences. C(18) cartridges were used, yielding recoveries ranging from 87.1% to 107.6% for serum samples and from 92.1% to 98.7% for urine samples. With regard to total-T(4) concentrations in serum samples, results are cross-validated with RIA and found to agree well.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors restore radioiodide uptake and retention in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by expression of the sodium/iodide symporter thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin

Iodide uptake by the thyroid is mediated by the sodium/iodide symporter. Upon iodide uptake, thyroperoxidase catalyzes iodination of tyrosine residues in thyroglobulin, retaining iodide within thyroid follicles. Dedifferentiation-induced loss of these functions in cancers, rendering them unresponsive to radioiodide, occurs with most poorly differentiated and anaplastic tumors. We focused on the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACI) as a way to induce differentiation of thyroid cancer cells. We assessed re-expression of thyroid-specific genes mRNA induced by HDACI using quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining in poorly differentiated papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. HDACI induced expression of thyroid-specific gene mRNAs and proteins, and accumulation of radioiodide through iodination of generic cellular proteins were detected. HDACI-treated tumors could specifically accumulate (125)I as revealed by imaging experiments and radioiodide concentration in vivo. In an attempt to determine the mechanism by which these gene expressions occurred, we detected the inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide, which up-regulated the expression of thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin mRNA in HDACI-treated cells and down-regulated that of sodium/iodide symporter mRNA. Together, our results suggest that HDACI-induced expression of thyroid-specific genes, some of which is mediated by some protein synthesis, may contribute to development of novel strategy against thyroid cancer.

Ultrastructural localization of thyroid peroxidase, hydrogen peroxide-generating sites, and monoamine oxidase in benign and malignant thyroid diseases

Despite thyroid tissue heterogeneity, biochemical and morphological features have been associated with certain thyroid diseases. We analyzed the ultracytochemical localization of thyroperoxidase (TPO), TPO-associated hydrogen peroxide-generating sites (H(2)O(2) sites), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) in terms of morphology and biochemical TPO activity in abnormal thyroids. We examined 11 cases of nontoxic multinodular goiter, 5 cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 1 case of oncocytic (Hürthle or oxyphilic cell) adenoma, 5 cases of Graves' disease, 4 cases of papillary carcinoma, and 4 cases of perinodular normal tissue. In the perinodular tissue, TPO was detected mainly in the nuclear envelope, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and subapical vesicles, but not in the apical surface. In multinodular goiter, heterogeneous TPO reactivity ranging from almost null to strongly positive was detected in similar locations as in the perinodular tissue, and was absent in the microvilli. Follicular cells from Hashimoto's thyroiditis displayed TPO in the nuclear envelope and the scarce RER. Remarkably, oncocytic cells from both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and oncocytic adenoma, typically packed with mitochondria, displayed evident TPO reaction exclusively in mitochondrial cristae. In Graves' disease, the nuclear envelope, enlarged RER, and apical vesicles were strongly TPO positive, and microvilli also exhibited TPO activity. Papillary carcinoma cells were negative for TPO. The localization and characteristics of TPO activity in the H(2)O(2) sites were similar to that of TPO in all tissues. MAO was positive in mitochondria of perinodular tissues, multinodular goiter, and oncocytes and negative in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Interestingly, MAO was intensely positive in the nuclear envelope of papillary carcinoma but unreactive in mitochondria. Biochemical TPO activity was increased in multinodular goiter and Graves' disease. In conclusion, several changes in ultracytochemical characteristics of TPO, H(2)O(2) sites, and MAO were associated with thyroid disease. Nonmalignant oncocytic cells exhibited an unusual mitochondrial location of TPO and H(2)O(2) sites. The distribution of MAO in nuclear envelope of papillary carcinoma cells could be a further feature of malignancy.

Role of iodine in antioxidant defence in thyroid and breast disease

The role played in thyroid hormonogenesis by iodide oxidation to iodine (organification) is well established. Iodine deficiency may produce conditions of oxidative stress with high TSH producing a level of H_2O_2, which because of lack of iodide is not being used to form thyroid hormones. The cytotoxic actions of excess iodide in thyroid cells may depend on the formation of free radicals and can be attributed to both necrotic and apoptotic mechanisms with necrosis predominating in goiter development and apoptosis during iodide induced involution. These cytotoxic effects appear to depend on the status of antioxidative enzymes and may only be evident in conditions of selenium deficiency where the activity of selenium containing antioxidative enzymes is impaired. Less compelling evidence exists of a role for iodide as an antioxidant in the breast. However the Japanese experience may indicate a protective effect against breast cancer for an iodine rich seaweed containing diet. Similarly thyroid autoimmunity may also be associated with improved prognosis. Whether this phenomenon is breast specific and its possible relationship to iodine or selenium status awaits resolution.

The interaction between the forkhead thyroid transcription factor TTF-2 and the constitutive factor CTF/NF-1 is required for efficient hormonal regulation of the thyroperoxidase gene transcription

The forkhead thyroid-specific transcription factor TTF-2 is the main mediator of thyrotropin and insulin regulation of thyroperoxidase (TPO) gene expression. This function depends on multimerization and specific orientation of its DNA-binding site, suggesting that TTF-2 is part of a complex interaction network within the TPO promoter. This was confirmed by transfection experiments and by protein-DNA interaction studies, which demonstrated that CTF/NF1 proteins bind 10 base pairs upstream of the TTF-2-binding site to enhance its action in hormone-induced expression of the TPO gene. GST pull-down assays showed that TTF-2 physically interacts with CTF/NF1 proteins. In addition, we demonstrate that increasing the distance between both transcription factors binding sites by base pair insertion results in loss of promoter activity and in a drastic decrease on the ability of the promoter to respond to the hormones. CTF/NF1 is a family of transcription factors that contributes to constitutive and cell-type specific gene expression. Originally identified as factors implicated in the replication of adenovirus, this group of proteins (CTF/NF1-A, -B, -C, and -X) is now known to be involved in the regulation of several genes. In contrast to other reports regarding the involvement of these proteins in inducible gene expression, we show here that members of this family of transcription factors are regulated by hormones. With the use of specific CTF/NF1 DNA probes and antibodies we demonstrate that CTF/NF1-C is a thyrotropin-, cAMP-, and insulin-inducible protein. Thus CTF/NF1 proteins do not only mediate hormone-induced gene expression cooperating with TTF-2, but are themselves hormonally regulated. All these findings are clearly of important value in understanding the mechanisms governing the transcription regulation of RNA polymerase II promoters, which often contain binding sites for multiple transcription factors.

Two different mutations in the thyroid peroxidase gene of a large inbred Amish kindred: power and limits of homozygosity mapping

Approximately 10% of newborns with congenital hypothyroidism are unable to convert iodide into organic iodine. This iodide organification defect has a prevalence of 1 in 40,000 newborns and may be caused by defects in the thyroid peroxidase enzyme (TPO), the hydrogen peroxide-generating system, the TPO substrate thyroglobulin, or inhibitors of TPO. We identified a high incidence of severe hypothyroidism due to a complete iodide organification defect in the youngest generation of five nuclear families belonging to an inbred Amish kindred. Genealogical records permitted us to trace their origin to an ancestral couple 7-8 generations back and to identify an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Initial studies of homozygosity by descent using two polymorphic markers within the TPO gene showed no linkage to the phenotype. In fact, 4 of 15 affected siblings from 2 of the nuclear families were heterozygous, resulting in homozygosity values of 73% and 53% in affected and unaffected family members, respectively. A genome-wide homozygosity screen using DNA pools from affected and unaffected family members localized the defect to a locus close to the TPO gene. Linkage analysis using 4 additional polymorphic markers within the TPO gene reduced the number of homozygous unaffected siblings to zero without altering the percent homozygosity initially found in the affected. Sequencing of the TPO gene revealed 2 missense mutations, E799K and R648Q. TPO 779K was found in both alleles of the 11 affected homozygotes, both mutations were present in each of the 3 affected compound heterozygotes, and there were no TPO mutations in 1 subject with hypothyroidism of different etiology. These results demonstrate the power of the DNA pooling strategy in the localization of a defective gene and the pitfalls of linkage analysis when 2 relatively rare mutations coexist in an inbred population.

Nitric oxide donors inhibit iodide transport and organification and induce morphological changes in cultured bovine thyroid cells

Nitric oxide (NO) has been proposed as an intracellular signal in the thyroid. The NO effect on function and morphology of bovine thyroid follicles in culture was analyzed by using the NO donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). Both NO donors induced a concentration-dependent NO release measured by the nitrite accumulation in the culture medium. The SNP (10 to 500 micromol/L) treatment for 24 hours significantly inhibited the uptake, organification and transport of iodide in a concentration-dependent manner. When SNP (50 micromol/L) was withdrawn from the culture medium after 24 hours' incubation, iodide uptake and organification were partially recovered at 24 hours and reached the control value at 48 hours, indicating a reversible effect of SNP. A possible involvement of cyanide in the SNP inhibitory effect was excluded because incubation of follicles with potassium cyanide (KCN) at concentrations estimated to be present in the medium (40 and 80 micromol/L) for 24 hours did not modify iodide uptake and organification. The GSNO (10 to 500 micromol/L) treatment for 24 hours also reduced the iodide uptake, organification and transport in a concentration-dependent manner. A significant inhibition of iodide organification was induced after incubation with 1000 micromol/L of N2, 2'-O-dibutyrylguanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate ([Bu]2cGMP). Morphological evaluation by light microscopy revealed that the incubation with NPS or GSNO (500 micromol/L) produced cellular dispersion with loss of follicular cell aggregates that was evident at 96 hours exposure. Cell viability was not altered by 10-500 micromol/L SNP or GSNO (80% to 85%). We concluded that long-term NO exposure induces functional and morphological modifications compatible with a loss of differentiation in thyroid follicles. These observations further support a role of NO in the regulation of the thyroid function.

Biochemical and functional changes during the bovine fetal thyroid development

To establish biochemical and functional relations during thyroid development, the activity of thyroid peroxidase (TPO), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-cytochrome c reductase and monoamine oxidase (MAO) in a particulate fraction and the iodide transport and organification in slices of bovine fetal thyroid were examined throughout gestation. The cytochemical localization of TPO, H2O2 generating sites and MAO was also studied. Fetal glands were grouped in stages I to V according to increasing developmental features; adult tissues were also analyzed. TPO activity in each of the fetal stages was higher than in the adult; a marked increase was observed in stages IV and V. Iodide transport (T/M) was similar in stages I to V and the adult. Iodide organification in fetal thyroids showed a similar pattern to that of TPO activity. When compared with the adult, at midgestation (stages II to III), a lower iodination coexisted with a higher TPO activity. The activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and MAO, two enzymes previously proposed to participate in thyroid H2O2 generation, did not parallel the level of iodide organification. Cells from stages II to V exhibited a positive cytochemical reaction for TPO in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and the perinuclear cisternae (PC). In stages IV, V, and adult, TPO was occasionally found in apical vesicles and microvilli, whereas H2O2 was detected within the RER and the PC. MAO reaction was positive in adult, but not in fetal thyroid. These results indicate that a high TPO activity accompanied the onset of the organification process during fetal thyroid development. The level of iodination was associated with the presence of TPO at a proper site rather than to the level of TPO activity. Evidence against a role of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and MAO in the iodide organification was obtained.

Transcriptional control of the forkhead thyroid transcription factor TTF-2 by thyrotropin, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I

The hormonal regulation of both thyroglobulin and thyroperoxidase promoter activity in FRTL-5 thyroid cells takes place, at least in part, through a hormone-responsive element to which the thyroid transcription factor TTF-2 binds. The TTF-2 cDNA, encoded by the titf2 locus, has recently been cloned and classified as a member of the forkhead transcription factor family. Here, we demonstrate that TTF-2 mRNA levels become undetectable in FRTL-5 thyroid cells cultured for 4 days in 0.2% serum and in the absent of thyrotropin (TSH) and insulin. Addition of TSH, insulin or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to the culture medium increases the levels of this transcription factor in a dose- and time- dependent manner and requires ongoing protein synthesis. The TSH effect is greater than that produced by insulin or IGF-I and is similar to the effect produced by the cAMP analog forskolin. The TSH and insulin effects are additive. In all cases, the mRNA levels increase is accompanied by an increase in transcription rate, as demonstrated by run-off assays. These data demonstrate that the TTF-2 mRNA is under tight hormonal control. This is consistent with an important role for TTF-2 as a mediator of the transcriptional activation of thyroid-specific genes (thyroglobulin and thyroperoxidase) by TSH via cAMP and by insulin through the IGF-I receptor.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the chromosomal gene for human lactoperoxidase

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) is an oxidoreductase secreted into milk, and plays an important role in protecting the lactating mammary gland and the intestinal tract of the newborn infants against pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, the human LPO chromosomal gene was molecularly cloned, and its gene organization was determined. The human LPO gene was found to be arranged with the myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene in a tail-to-tail manner. Similar to the human MPO and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) genes, the human LPO gene is split by 11 introns and spans 28 kb. Unlike most introns in mammalian gene, the 5' splice donor sequence of intron 11 starts with GC instead of GT. When the minigene comprised of exon 11, intron 11 and exon 12 of the human LPO gene was introduced into COS cells, the correct splicing of the intron was found, suggesting the intron 11 of the human LPO gene is functional. The coding sequence of human LPO consists of 2136 bp, and codes for a protein of 712 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of human LPO has 51% similarity with those of both human MPO and EPO, suggesting that these peroxidase genes have evolved from a common ancestral gene. On the other hand, the nucleotide sequences of the 5' promoter regions of these peroxidase genes exhibit no similarity among them, which agrees with their tissue-specific expression.

The T/ebp null mouse: thyroid-specific enhancer-binding protein is essential for the organogenesis of the thyroid, lung, ventral forebrain, and pituitary

The thyroid-specific enhancer-binding protein (T/ebp) gene was disrupted by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells to generate mice lacking T/EBP expression. Heterozygous animals developed normally, whereas mice homozygous for the disrupted gene were born dead and lacked the lung parenchyma. Instead, they had a rudimentary bronchial tree associated with an abnormal epithelium in their pleural cavities. Furthermore, the homozygous mice had no thyroid gland but had a normal parathyroid. In addition, extensive defects were found in the brain of the homozygous mice, especially in the ventral region of the forebrain. The entire pituitary, including the anterior, intermediate, and posterior pituitary, was also missing. In situ hybridization showed that the T/ebp gene is expressed in the normal thyroid, lung bronchial epithelium, and specific areas of the forebrain during early embryogenesis. These results establish that the expression of T/EBP, a transcription factor known to control thyroid-specific gene transcription, is also essential for organogenesis of the thyroid, lung, ventral forebrain, and pituitary.

Hydrogen peroxide degradation and glutathione peroxidase activity in cultures of thyroid cells

The degradation rate of H2O2, added to the incubation medium, and glutathione (GSH) peroxidase activity were measured in cultures of FRTL-5 cells and porcine thyroid cells. The H2O2 degradation rate increased proportionally to the H2O2 concentration and was in FRTL-5 cells, cultured with TSH, approximately 50 nmol/min and mg DNA at 0.01 mM H2O2 and approximately 3 x 10(4) nmol/min and mg DNA at 10 mM H2O2. The GSH peroxidase activity in the same cells was equivalent to an H2O2 degradation of approximately 400 nmol/min and mg DNA. The involvement of enzymes in H2O2 degradation was studied by inhibiting catalase with aminotriazole (ATZ) and reducing GSH peroxidase by omitting glucose in the incubation medium. At 0.1 mM H2O2, ATZ or glucose omission alone did not measurably reduce H2O2 degradation but did so when combined. At 10 mM H2O2 ATZ caused a clear inhibition whereas glucose omission had no additive effect. These observations indicate that GSH peroxidase was involved in H2O2 degradation only at low H2O2 concentrations. The GSH peroxidase activity decreased by reduction of the selenite supply and increased after replenishment. The recovery of the enzyme activity required the presence of TSH in FRTL-5 cells but not in porcine thyrocytes.

Effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6 on type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodination in rat thyroid cell line, FRTL-5

Using a functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5), we studied the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on thyroidal type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodination (I-5'-deiodination) and on the expression of I-5'-deiodinase (I-5'-D) mRNA. After 24 h incubation in medium containing 0.5 microM rT3 with a tracer amount of [125I]rT3, radioactivity of released 125I- was counted. Deiodination in live FRTL-5 cells was enhanced about three times from the basal level by the addition of TSH and was inhibited markedly by propylthiouracil and dose dependently by T4. These results suggest the suitability of this model for investigating I-5'-deiodination in live thyroid tissue. Basal and TSH-induced I-5'-deiodination were significantly inhibited by 100 ng/liter of IL-1 beta and IL-6, and the inhibitory effect of TNF-alpha was seen over 1 microgram/liter. I-5'-deiodination was restored by removal of the cytokines. TSH-induced cAMP production and (Bu)2cAMP-induced I-5'-deiodination were also inhibited by the cytokines. Catalase, dexamethasone, and indomethacin did not abolish the inhibitory effects of the cytokines. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed a marked suppression of I-5'-D mRNA expression by IL-1 beta and IL-6. We conclude that these cytokines inhibit the thyroidal type I I-5'-deiodination in the order of potency IL-1 beta > IL-6 >> TNF-alpha, probably by decreasing the I-5'-D mRNA level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isolation of thyroid peroxidase from patients with Graves' disease and comparison with animal peroxidases

1. Human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was isolated from 280-640 g of pooled thyroid tissue resected from patients with Graves' disease. 2. Isolation was performed by an improved and simplified method. 3. The Reinheit Zahl (A412/A280) of the final preparations was in the range of 0.16-0.32. 4. The spectroscopic and enzymatic properties of Graves' TPO were compared with those of porcine TPO and bovine LPO, revealing closer resemblance to the former. 5. Graves' TPO may provide a useful substitute for normal TPO, which is very difficult to isolate.

Human thyroid peroxidase: autoantibody recognition depends on the natural conformation

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) purified from human thyroid glands was used to study the correlation relation between natural conformation and its ability for binding of autoantibodies in sera from patients with autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis). Treatment with heat (60 degrees C), urea, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), and dithiothreitol (DTT) decreased the autoantigenicity of TPO on average by 73.3%, 74.1%, 86.3%, and 91.8% measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. These data demonstrate, that the binding of the majority of autoantibodies to human TPO depends on its natural conformation and modification.

Defective organification of iodide causing hereditary goitrous hypothyroidism

We present a survey of the current state of knowledge about the prevalence of the syndrome involved in defective organification of iodide, and the mechanism of iodination and coupling catalyzed by the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme. A brief summary of the recent developments in molecular cloning of TPO and regulation of TPO gene expression is also included. Methods for purification of the enzyme and details about the assessment of TPO activity in tissue are briefly explained. The classification of defective organification of iodide is primarily based on the site of the biochemical defect, being quantitative (TPO absent) or qualitative (TPO structure, localization or apoenzyme are defectives). The presence of TPO inhibitors is also briefly described. The rare possibility of an absent source of peroxide (H2O2) causing defective iodide organification is discussed. Analysis of the 118 reported cases shows that the biochemical classification covers a spectrum of abnormalities and it is likely that further molecular biology studies will increase this heterogeneity as well as refining it. Genetic studies have suggested linkage between the TPO gene polymorphisms and the iodide organification defect and can be of importance for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis. Neonatal screening for hypothyroidism is likely to expand the number of cases available for DNA analysis and possibly the molecular diagnosis. The importance of the mutations that would affect the histidine (His) residues in the translated protein was recently documented by the finding of a deletion removing part of exon 9 and thus also deleting a proximal His residue. The resulting TPO enzyme was inactive for iodide organification and coupling reaction. It is hoped that in time we will be able to expand our knowledge of the molecular diagnosis of the inborn errors of iodide organification.

Thyroid gland neoplasia: non-genotoxic mechanisms

There are two basic mechanisms whereby chemicals produce thyroid gland neoplasia in rodents. The first involves chemicals that exert a direct carcinogenic effect in the thyroid gland and the other involves chemicals which, through a variety of mechanisms, disrupt thyroid function and produce thyroid gland neoplasia secondary to hormone imbalance. There are important species differences in thyroid gland physiology between rodents and humans which may account for a marked species difference in the inherent susceptibility for neoplasia secondary to hormone imbalance. Thus, it is important to consider mechanism in the evaluation of potential cancer risks. There would be little if any risk for apparently nongenotoxic chemicals that act secondary to hormone imbalance at exposure levels that do not disrupt thyroid function. Further, the degree of thyroid dysfunction produced by a chemical would present a major toxicological problem before such exposure would increase the risk for neoplasia for humans.

Importance of the carboxyl terminus of human thyroid peroxidase in the efficient expression of the protein in eukaryotic cells

Carboxyl terminal truncation of membrane-associated human thyroid peroxidase (hTPO), with the elimination of its single membrane-spanning and short intracytoplasmic regions, generates a soluble, secreted, enzymatically active protein (amino acids 1-848). In order to determine the effects of further carboxyl terminal deletions on the expression of hTPO, Chinese hamster ovary cells were stably transfected with plasmids constructed to express amino acids 1-771, 1-636, 1-539 and 1-382 of the 933 amino acid TPO protein, respectively. Unlike hTPO1-848, the more severely truncated TPO mutant proteins could not be detected in conditioned media by polyclonal anti-TPO antibodies. Using detergent-solubilized microsomal proteins from these cells, very low levels of hTPO1-771 (approximately 90 kDa), but not the more extensive deletion mutations, were detected by these anti-TPO antibodies. Confirmation of the loss of efficient expression of more severely truncated hTPO was obtained using a anti-hTPO monoclonal antibody with an epitope near the amino terminus and which recognizes only the denatured protein. The mRNA for all hTPO mutants was detected in the stably-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. In summary, the present study indicates that a largely intact extracellular portion of hTPO is required for expression in eukaryotic cells.

Structure and characterization of a 50 bp repeat in intron 10 of the human thyroid peroxidase gene

We have previously identified an EcoRI polymorphism detected by a human thyroid peroxidase (hTPO) cDNA probe, with alleles varying in size from 3.0 to 4.1 kb. For further characterization of this polymorphism, we have cloned the genomic region containing this polymorphism. Sequence analysis of a 3.2 kb EcoRI fragment containing the polymorphism revealed nine copies of a 50 bp direct repeat located 1.9 kb downstream of exon 10. In 50 unrelated Caucasian individuals, the number of repeats was determined and varied from 9 to 31, with an average of 21. Since exon 10 has been shown to be alternatively spliced in hTPO mRNA, we have also tested whether the number of 50 bp repeats affects alternative splicing of exon 10. We find no correlation between the number of repeats in intron 10 and the ratio of alternatively spliced hTPO-1 and hTPO-2 mRNA in six human thyroid glands.

Peroxidase and coupling activities of thyroid peroxidase in benign and malignant thyroid tumor tissues

The coupling activity of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) in thyroid glands from patients with benign adenoma, papillary carcinoma, and diffuse goiter (Graves' disease) was measured for the first time, in addition to the peroxidase activity of these tissues. The peroxidase activity of TPO in the mitochondria-microsomes fraction was measured with guaiacol or iodide as the second substrate. In the case of papillary carcinoma, the mean protein-based specific activity obtained by the guaiacol assay was about 1/7 of that of diffuse goiter. The iodide oxidation activity of carcinoma was very low, about 1/25 [corrected] of that in diffuse goiter and 1/70 of that in adenoma. The peroxidase activity in adenoma was almost similar in the guaiacol oxidation assay and approximately one half in the iodide oxidation assay as compared with that in diffuse goiter. There was a close correlation between the guaiacol and iodide oxidation assays in individual patients with adenoma and diffuse goiter, but not in patients with papillary carcinoma. The coupling activity of TPO was measured with thyroglobulin purified from pooled toxic diffuse goiters and chemically iodinated to contain little additional T3 and T4. The specific coupling activity of TPO in mitochondria-microsomes from carcinoma was significantly lower (about 1/5) than that of diffuse goiter, and the activity in adenoma was not significantly different (about 1/2) from that of diffuse goiter. The data of coupling activities has a close correlation with that of peroxidase activities in individual patients with adenoma but not in patients with carcinoma. Based on these findings, the qualitative abnormality of TPO and its relation to the cold 123I scintigram in thyroid tumors are discussed.