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Zhou Z, Liu J, Chen Y, Ren B, Wan S, Chen Y, He Y, Wei Q, Gao H, Liu L, Shen H. Genome-wide DNA methylation pattern in whole blood of patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1259903. [PMID: 38075038 PMCID: PMC10704911 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1259903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), a prevalent autoimmune disorder, is not yet thoroughly understood, especially when it comes to the influence of epigenetics in its pathogenesis. The primary goal of this research was to probe the DNAm profile across the genome in the whole blood derived from patients suffering from HT. Method Using the Illumina 850K BeadChip, we conducted a genome-wide DNAm assessment on 10 matched pairs of HT sufferers and healthy individuals. Genes with differential methylation (DMGs) were identified and underwent functional annotation via the databases of Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The transcriptional significance of potential epigenetic biomarker genes was corroborated through qRT-PCR. Results The DNAm profiling across the genome indicated an overall reduction in methylation in HT subjects in comparison with their healthy counterparts. We detected 283 DMPs (adjusted P < 0.05 and |Δβ| > 0.1), among which 152 exhibited hypomethylation and 131 demonstrated hypermethylation. Further analysis exposed a noteworthy concentration of hypermethylated DMPs in the 3´UTR, North Shore, and CpG islands, while there was a significant decrease in the Open Sea (all P < 0.001). The 283 DMPs were broadly distributed from chromosome 1 to 22, with chromosome 6 harboring the most DMPs (n = 51) and chromosome 12 carrying the most DMGs (n = 15). The SLFN12 gene, which presented with extreme hypomethylation in its promoter DMPs among HT patients, was identified as the epigenetic marker gene. Consequently, the SLFN12 mRNA expression was markedly upregulated in HT, displaying a negative relationship with its methylation levels. The area under curve (AUC) value for the SLFN12 gene among HT patients was 0.85 (sensitivity: 0.7, specificity: 0.7), a significant difference compared with healthy controls. The methylation levels of all DMPs in SLFN12 gene were negatively correlated with TSH and one CpG site (cg24470734) was positively assocciated with FT4. Conclusion This investigation presents an initial comprehensive DNAm blueprint for individuals with HT, which permits clear differentiation between HT subjects and normal controls through an epigenetic lens. The SLFN12 gene plays a pivotal role in the onset of HT, suggesting that the methylation status of this gene could serve as a potential epigenetic indicator for HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhou
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jinjin Liu
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bingxuan Ren
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Siyuan Wan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanhong He
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiuyang Wei
- First Clinical Medical Department, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Second Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Haiyan Gao
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lixiang Liu
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongmei Shen
- Disorders Control, Centre for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Yang H, Zheng Y, Lai X, Zhao L, Liu L, Liu M, Guo W, Yang L, Fang Q, Zhu K, Dai W, Mei W, Zhu R, Zhang X. Associations of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites with Thyroid Function and the Mediated Role of Cytokines: A Panel Study of Healthy Children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17808-17817. [PMID: 36760168 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Evidence on joint association of a phthalate mixture with thyroid function among children and its underlying mechanism is largely unknown. We aimed to explore the associations of 10 urinary phthalate metabolites (mPAEs), either as individuals or as a mixture, with thyroid function indicators [free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)] in 144 children aged 4-12 years with up to 3 repeated visits across 3 seasons. Significant and positive associations were observed for mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-iso-butyl phthalate (MiBP), and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) with TSH, as well as monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) with FT3 in dose-response manners. The relationship between MEHP and TSH remained robust in multiple-phthalate models. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models revealed overall linear associations of the 10 mPAE mixture with higher TSH and FT3 levels, and MEHP and MBzP were major contributors. Meanwhile, MEHP, MiBP, and MnBP were linked to the elevation of multiple cytokines including CCL 27, CCL3, CXCL1, and IL-16. Among them, IL-16 mediated the relationships of MEHP and MiBP with TSH, and the mediated proportions were 24.16% and 24.27%, respectively. Our findings suggested that mPAEs dominated by MEHP were dose-responsively associated with elevated TSH among healthy children and mediated by IL-16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihua Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuming Zheng
- The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, China
| | - Xuefeng Lai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wenting Guo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Liangle Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qin Fang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kejing Zhu
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Wencan Dai
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Wenhua Mei
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Tang L, Li P, Zhou H, Li L. A longitudinal study of thyroid markers during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and post-partum glucose metabolism. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2021; 37:e3441. [PMID: 33486811 PMCID: PMC8243952 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the relationship between thyroid markers during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or post-partum glucose metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on pregnancy 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results, 1467 subjects were grouped into normal glucose tolerance (NGTp; n = 768) and GDM (n = 699) groups. Furthermore, based on post-partum 75-g OGTT results, 286 GDM subjects, screened for glucose metabolism after delivery, were grouped into NGTd (n = 241) and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT; n = 45) groups. RESULTS Maternal age, family history of diabetes, acanthosis nigricans, previous adverse pregnancy outcomes and caesarean section incidence, and thyroid positive antibody rates were higher in the GDM group than in the NGTp group. In the first trimester, free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) levels were higher in the GDM group than in the NGTp group. In the second trimester, free thyroxine (FT4) levels were lower and TPOAb and TgAb levels were higher in the GDM group than in the NGTp group. After adjusting for confounding factors, FT3, TPOAb and TgAb (first trimester), and FT4, TPOAb and TgAb (second trimester) were risk factors for GDM. TPOAb and TgAb levels were higher in the AGT group than in the NGTd group and were potential predictors of abnormal post-partum glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS GDM risk significantly increased with increased FT3 (first trimester), TPOAb and TgAb (first and second trimesters) or with decreased FT4 (second trimester). Presence of thyroid antibodies predicted post-partum glucose abnormalities in subjects with GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tang
- Department of EndocrinologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Ping Li
- Department of EndocrinologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of NephrologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Ling Li
- Department of EndocrinologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Endocrine DiseasesShenyangLiaoningChina
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Wenqian C, Fan W, Hu X. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis during pregnancy. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:2780-2790. [PMID: 33113271 PMCID: PMC7714066 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) during pregnancy is usually accompanied by an elevation of thyroid‐stimulating hormone and a reduction of serum‐free thyroxine during gestation, which may lead to abortion, preterm delivery, and reduced intellectual function of the offspring. Epigenetic alterations may provide important insights into genetic–environmental interactions in HT. Here, we examined global DNA methylation patterns in patients with HT during pregnancy. DNA was extracted from 13 women with HT during pregnancy (HTDP) and eight healthy pregnant women as a control group. Genome‐wide methylation was detected with the use of an Illumina Human Methylation 850K Beadchip. A total of 652 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and 27 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between the HTDP and control groups. GO analysis revealed that DMPs were significantly enriched in 540 GO terms, which included regulation of the differentiation of keratinocytes, T helper cell differentiation, and alpha‐beta T‐cell differentiation. Moreover, significant enrichment of KEGG pathways of the DMPs included mucin‐type O‐glycan biosynthesis, focal adhesion, and the insulin signaling pathway. The GO items associated with DMRs included muscle cell proliferation, response to biotic stimulus, anatomical structure formation involved in morphogenesis, and genes primarily involved in the FoxO signaling pathway. Finally, the DTNA gene was identified as the seed gene of functional epigenetic modules. In summary, the DNA methylation pattern of the HTDP group was distinct from that of the control group, and thus, changes in DNA methylation may influence the development of HT by regulation of the autoimmunity process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Wenqian
- Eugenic Genetics Laboratory, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenlei Fan
- Internal Medicine DEPT, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xijiang Hu
- Eugenic Genetics Laboratory, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
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Shalaby SM, Mackawy AMH, Atef DM, Atef RM, Saeed J. Promoter methylation and expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 gene in blood of autoimmune thyroiditis patients. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:5345-5353. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04990-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Liu T, Sun J, Wang Z, Yang W, Zhang H, Fan C, Shan Z, Teng W. Changes in the DNA Methylation and Hydroxymethylation Status of the Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Gene Promoter in Thyrocytes from Autoimmune Thyroiditis Patients. Thyroid 2017; 27:838-845. [PMID: 28388873 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2016.0576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) gene is not expressed in normal thyroid tissue but was shown to be expressed in the thyroid tissue of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) patients. METHODS This study aimed to explore whether the DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation status of the ICAM1 promoter are aberrantly altered in the thyroid cells of AIT patients and whether this change is associated with dysfunctional expression of ICAM1. A total of 35 AIT patients and 35 sex- and age-matched controls were studied. After the isolation of thyrocytes via density-gradient centrifugation, ICAM1 mRNA expression was measured using real-time PCR. The DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation status were assessed using quantitative PCR following T4 β-glucosyltransferase treatment and MspI/HpaII cleavage at -937 bp, -701 bp, -226 bp, and -65 bp upstream of the transcription start site (TSS). The DNA methylation level was verified via pyrosequencing. RESULTS The AIT group showed increased DNA hydroxymethylation at -937 bp and -226 bp and decreased methylation at -937 bp, -701 bp, and -226 bp upstream of the TSS. Pyrosequencing also revealed DNA hypomethylation at -708 bp, -692 bp, -690 bp, and -688 bp upstream of the TSS. The DNA methylation status at -708 bp, -692 bp, and -226 bp upstream of the TSS was negatively associated with ICAM1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION In summary, we identified aberrant DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation of the ICAM1 gene promoter in the thyrocytes of AIT patients. This aberrant epigenetic modification is associated with increased expression of the ICAM1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- 1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Sun
- 1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- 1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqing Yang
- 1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- 2 Department of Thyroid Surgery, Institute of Endocrinology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenling Fan
- 1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyan Shan
- 1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Teng
- 1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
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Sun L, Zhang X, Dai F, Shen J, Ren C, Zuo C, Zhang Q. Elevated interleukin-1β in peripheral blood mononuclear cells contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases, especially of Hashimoto thyroiditis. Endocr Res 2016; 41:185-92. [PMID: 26864865 DOI: 10.3109/07435800.2015.1124439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To explore the relationship between IL-1β expression and two common autoimmune thyroid diseases: Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD). MATERIALS AND METHODS qRT-PCR, Quantiglo ELISA, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the expression levels of IL-1β in serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and thyroid tissue samples from patients with HT or GD. Local infiltration of monocytes was assessed by immunohistochemical study of patients' thyroid tissue samples. RESULTS Although no significant differences in IL-1β levels were found between samples of serum from patients with HT or GD and normal controls, we found that IL-1β mRNA and protein levels in PBMCs of HT patients were significantly higher than those of patients with GD, which were in turn higher than the level in normal controls. In addition, IL-1β mRNA was also increased in thyroid gland tissue from patients with HT compared to those with GD, and this was accompanied by increased local infiltration of monocytes into thyroid tissues. Correlation analysis of the clinical samples validated the association of high IL-1β levels with the pathogenesis of HT. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that IL-1β may be an active etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of HT and thus present a new target for novel diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- a Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
- b Institute of Endocrinology & Metabolism , Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
| | - Xiaoxu Zhang
- a Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
- b Institute of Endocrinology & Metabolism , Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
| | - Fang Dai
- a Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
- b Institute of Endocrinology & Metabolism , Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
| | - Jijia Shen
- c Department of Microbiology and Parasitology , Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
| | - Cuiping Ren
- c Department of Microbiology and Parasitology , Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
| | - Chunlin Zuo
- a Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
- b Institute of Endocrinology & Metabolism , Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
| | - Qiu Zhang
- a Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
- b Institute of Endocrinology & Metabolism , Anhui Medical University , Hefei , Anhui , China
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Massolt ET, Effraimidis G, Korevaar TIM, Wiersinga WM, Visser WE, Peeters RP, Drexhage HA. Aberrant Levels of Hematopoietic/Neuronal Growth and Differentiation Factors in Euthyroid Women at Risk for Autoimmune Thyroid Disease. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153892. [PMID: 27092550 PMCID: PMC4836766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Subjects at risk for major mood disorders have a higher risk to develop autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and vice-versa, implying a shared pathogenesis. In mood disorder patients, an abnormal profile of hematopoietic/neuronal growth factors is observed, suggesting that growth/differentiation abnormalities of these cell lineages may predispose to mood disorders. The first objective of our study was to investigate whether an aberrant profile of these hematopoietic/neuronal growth factors is also detectable in subjects at risk for AITD. A second objective was to study the inter relationship of these factors with previously determined and published growth factors/cytokines in the same subjects. Methods We studied 64 TPO-Ab-negative females with at least 1 first- or second-degree relative with AITD, 32 of whom did and 32 who did not seroconvert to TPO-Ab positivity in 5-year follow-up. Subjects were compared with 32 healthy controls (HCs). We measured serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Stem Cell Factor (SCF), Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 2 (IGFBP-2), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and IL-7 at baseline. Results BDNF was significantly lower (8.2 vs 18.9 ng/ml, P<0.001), while EGF (506.9 vs 307.6 pg/ml, P = 0.003) and IGFBP-2 (388.3 vs 188.5 ng/ml, P = 0.028) were significantly higher in relatives than in HCs. Relatives who seroconverted in the next 5 years had significantly higher levels of SCF than non-seroconverters (26.5 vs 16.7 pg/ml, P = 0.017). In a cluster analysis with the previously published growth factors/cytokines SCF clustered together with IL-1β, IL-6 and CCL-3, of which high levels also preceded seroconversion. Conclusion Relatives of AITD patients show aberrant serum levels of 4 hematopoietic/neuronal growth factors similar to the aberrancies found in mood disorder patients, suggesting that shared growth and differentiation defects in both the hematopoietic and neuronal system may underlie thyroid autoimmunity and mood disorders. A distinct pattern of four inter correlating immune factors in the relatives preceded TPO-Ab seroconversion in the next 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elske T. Massolt
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Thyroid Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Grigoris Effraimidis
- Internal Medicine Department, Endocrinology Section, Nykøbing Falster Hospital, Fjordvej 15, 4800, Nykøbing Falster, Denmark
| | - Tim I. M. Korevaar
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Thyroid Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilmar M. Wiersinga
- Academical Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W. Edward Visser
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Thyroid Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robin P. Peeters
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Thyroid Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hemmo A. Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Connective tissue diseases and autoimmune thyroid disorders in the first trimester of pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 114:32-7. [PMID: 26950897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the rates and coexistence of autoimmune thyroid and connective tissue diseases (CTD) during the first trimester of pregnancy and their influence on pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN A cohort study of 150 women with CTD diagnosed during first trimester of pregnancy and 150 negative controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Screening of CTD by a self-reported questionnaire, rheumatic and thyroid autoantibody detection, clinical rheumatological evaluation and obstetric outcomes. RESULTS Out of 3852 women screened, 61 (1.6%) were diagnosed with undefined connective tissue disease (UCTD), 28 (0.7%) with major CTD (six rheumatoid arthritis, five systemic lupus erythematosus, eight Sjogren syndrome, five anti-phospholipid syndrome, two systemic sclerosis, one mixed CTD and one monoarticular arthritis) and 61 (1.6%) had insufficient criteria for a diagnosis of a rheumatic disease. The overall prevalence of either thyroid peroxidase (TPO-a) or thyroglobulin (TG-a) autoantibodies detection was 8% (12/150) among controls, 62.3% (38/61) among UCTD and 60.7% (17/28) in women with a major CTD (p<.001 compared to controls for both comparisons). After adjustment for confounders, overall CTDs (major or undefined) (OR=3.54, 95% CI; 1.61-7.78) and TPO-a plus TG-a positivity (OR=2.78, 95% CI;1.29-5.98) were independently associated with increased risks of moderate-severe complications of pregnancy (miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, delivery before 34 weeks). CONCLUSIONS Rheumatic and thyroid autoantibodies during pregnancy are closely associated. Thyroid antibodies could add to the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome associated with connective tissue diseases.
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McGuiness B, Gibney SM, Beumer W, Versnel MA, Sillaber I, Harkin A, Drexhage HA. Exaggerated Increases in Microglia Proliferation, Brain Inflammatory Response and Sickness Behaviour upon Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation in Non-Obese Diabetic Mice. Neuroimmunomodulation 2016; 23:137-150. [PMID: 27529430 PMCID: PMC5296925 DOI: 10.1159/000446370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse, an established model for autoimmune diabetes, shows an exaggerated reaction of pancreas macrophages to inflammatory stimuli. NOD mice also display anxiety when immune-stimulated. Chronic mild brain inflammation and a pro-inflammatory microglial activation is critical in psychiatric behaviour. OBJECTIVE To explore brain/microglial activation and behaviour in NOD mice at steady state and after systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. METHODS Affymetrix analysis on purified microglia of pre-diabetic NOD mice (8-10 weeks) and control mice (C57BL/6 and CD1 mice, the parental non-autoimmune strain) at steady state and after systemic LPS (100 μg/kg) administration. Quantitative PCR was performed on the hypothalamus for immune activation markers (IL-1β, IFNγ and TNFα) and growth factors (BDNF and PDGF). Behavioural profiling of NOD, CD1, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice at steady state was conducted and sickness behaviour/anxiety in NOD and CD1 mice was monitored before and after LPS injection. RESULTS Genome analysis revealed cell cycle/cell death and survival aberrancies of NOD microglia, substantiated as higher proliferation on BrdU staining. Inflammation signs were absent. NOD mice had a hyper-reactive response to novel environments with some signs of anxiety. LPS injection induced a higher expression of microglial activation markers, a higher brain pro-inflammatory set point (IFNγ, IDO) and a reduced expression of BDNF and PDGF after immune stimulation in NOD mice. NOD mice displayed exaggerated and prolonged sickness behaviour after LPS administration. CONCLUSION After stimulation with LPS, NOD mice display an increased microglial proliferation and an exaggerated inflammatory brain response with reduced BDNF and PDGF expression and increased sickness behaviour as compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry McGuiness
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sinead M. Gibney
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Beumer
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Andrew Harkin
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hemmo A. Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- *Prof. Hemmo A. Drexhage, Department of Immunology, Na1105, Erasmus MC's Gravendijkwal 230 NL-3015 CE Rotterdam (The Netherlands) E-Mail
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Bernin H, Marggraff C, Jacobs T, Brattig N, Le VA, Blessmann J, Lotter H. Immune markers characteristic for asymptomatically infected and diseased Entamoeba histolytica individuals and their relation to sex. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:621. [PMID: 25420932 PMCID: PMC4252988 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0621-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) usually asymptomatically colonizes the human intestine. In the minority of the cases, the parasite evades from the gut and can induce severe symptoms like colitis or amebic liver abscess (ALA). Interestingly, ALA predominates in adult men despite a higher prevalence of the parasite in women. The present study aimed to identify characteristic serum markers in a unique cohort of clearly defined asymptomatically infected E. histolytica individuals in comparison to patients with an E. histolytica liver manifestation of both sex. METHODS The following study groups were investigated: ALA patients (n = 38), healthy asymptomatic E. histolytica carriers (AC) (n = 44), and healthy E. dispar-infected controls (n = 24) out of an amebiasis endemic area. E. histolytica-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the IgG subclasses against proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous amebic antigens were measured by ELISA. Serum cytokine and chemokine levels were investigated using a flow cytometry bead-based multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS The IgG results revealed that not only ALA patients, but also AC, developed high E. histolytica-specific titers of IgG and all IgG subclasses as well as IgA. IgG and IgG2 titers against the glycolipid E. histolytica lipophosphoglycan were highest in ALA patients. As in ALA patients, high cytokine levels of interleukin (IL-) 4 were detected in AC compared to E. dispar infected individuals, while IL-6 was exclusively elevated in ALA patients. IL-10 was lower in AC compared to ALA patients. Equal serum levels of CCL2 were found in all study groups but ALA patients showed decreased levels of CCL3. Sex dependent analysis of the data indicated significantly higher IgG and IgG1 titers in female AC compared to male AC. CCL2, the chemokine involved in immunopathology in the mouse model for the disease, was higher in male AC compared to female AC. CONCLUSION In this study we characterize for the first time an asymptomatic carrier stage in amebiasis that is associated with a significant immune reaction and provide immunological markers that might give first hints towards an understanding of immune mechanisms underlying the control or development of invasive amebiasis.
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Abstract
Immune responses against thyroid carcinomas have long been demonstrated and associations between inflammatory microenvironment and thyroid carcinomas repeatedly reported. This scenario has prompted scientists throughout the world to unveil how the inflammatory microenvironment is established in thyroid tumors and what is its influence on the outcome of patients with thyroid carcinoma. Many studies have reported the role of evasion from the immune system in tumor progression and reinforced the weakness of the innate immune response toward thyroid cancer spread in advanced stages. Translational studies have provided evidence that an increased density of tumor-associated macrophages in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is associated with an aggressive phenotype at diagnosis and decreased cancer-related survival, whereas well-DTC microenvironment enriched with macrophages is correlated with improved disease-free survival. It is possible that these different results are related to different microenvironments. Several studies have provided evidence that patients whose tumors are not infiltrated by lymphocytes present a high recurrence rate, suggesting that the presence of lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment may favor the prognosis of patients with thyroid carcinoma. However, the effect of lymphocytes and other immune cells on patient outcome seems to result from complex interactions between the tumor and immune system, and the molecular pattern of cytokines and chemokines helps to explain the involvement of the immune system in thyroid tumor progression. The inflammatory microenvironment may help to characterize aggressive tumors and to identify patients who would benefit from a more invasive approach, probably sparing the vast majority of patients with an indolent disease from unnecessary procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Leite Cunha
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (FCM-Unicamp), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Barão Geraldo, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Effraimidis G, Wiersinga WM. Mechanisms in endocrinology: autoimmune thyroid disease: old and new players. Eur J Endocrinol 2014; 170:R241-52. [PMID: 24609834 DOI: 10.1530/eje-14-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The last 10 years have seen some progress in understanding the etiology of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). The female preponderance can now be explained - at least in part - by fetal microchimerism and X-chromosome inactivation. The number of identified susceptibility genes for AITD is increasing (among others now including TSHR, TG, HLA, CTLA4, PTPN22, CD40, FCRL3, IL2RA, and FOXP3), but these genes together probably do not explain more than about 10% of the heritability of AITD. As twin studies indicate that genes contribute for 70% of AITD, it follows that there must be many more loci, each of them contributing a little. While the genetic studies have clarified why various autoimmune diseases so often cluster in the same patient, the molecular mechanism of action of these genetic polymorphisms (frequently located in introns) has hardly been explained. Polymorphisms in AITD susceptibility genes may become helpful in clinical practice, e.g. in assessing risk of recurrent Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH) after a course of antithyroid drugs. Moderate alcohol intake decreases the risk on overt GH and overt Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Current smokers - as well known - are at increased risk for Graves' disease, but - surprisingly - at diminished risk for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Low selenium and low vitamin D levels might increase the risk of developing AITD, but data are still inconclusive. Current options for preventive interventions in subjects at risk to develop AITD are very limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigoris Effraimidis
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAcademic Medical Center, Room F5-169, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Wilmar M Wiersinga
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAcademic Medical Center, Room F5-169, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105AZ, The Netherlands
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