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Objective Iodide transport across thyrocytes constitutes a critical step for thyroid hormone biosynthesis, mediated mainly by the basolateral sodium-iodide-symporter (NIS (SLC5A5)) and the apical anion exchanger pendrin (PDS (SLC26A4)). Both transmembrane proteins have been described as autoantigens in thyroid disease, yet the reports on autoantibody (aAb) prevalence and diagnostic usefulness are conflicting. Reasons for the inconclusive findings may be small study groups and principle differences in the technologies used. Design We decided to re-evaluate this important issue by establishing novel non-radioactive tests using full-length antigens and comparable protocols, and analyzing a large cohort of thyroid patients (n = 323) and control samples (n = 400). Methods NIS and PDS were recombinantly expressed as fusion protein with firefly luciferase (Luc). Stably transfected HEK293 cells were used as reproducible source of the autoantigens. Results Recombinant NIS-Luc showed iodide transport activity, indicating successful expression and correct processing. Commercial antibodies yielded dose-dependent responses in the newly established assays. Reproducibility of assay signals from patient sera was verified with respect to linearity, stability and absence of matrix effects. Prevalence of PDS-aAb was similar in thyroid patients and controls (7.7% vs 5.0%). NIS-aAb were more prevalent in patients than controls (7.7% vs 1.8%), especially in Graves’ Disease (12.3%). Neither NIS-aAb nor PDS-aAb concentrations were related to TPO-aAb or TSH-receptor-aAb concentrations, or to serum zinc or selenium status. Conclusions Our data highlight a potential relevance of autoimmunity against NIS for thyroid disease, whereas an assessment of PDS-aAb in thyroid patients seems not to be of diagnostic value (yet).

A rubber agroforest system is a form of land use that considers ecological and economic aspects that are still maintained by the people of Tumbang Mantuhe Village. This study aims to identify and analyze the diversity of vegetation in the agroforest system in Tumbang Mantuhe Village, Gunung Mas Regency, Central Kalimantan. This research uses purposive sampling and the vegetation analysis method. The results showed that the species of vegetation in the rubber agroforest system amounted to 29 species in 23 families. At the seedling level, it is dominated by Macaranga sp. and Xylopia ferruginea; the sapling level is dominated by H. brasiliensis and Syzygium tawahense; the pole level is dominated by Deplanchea bancana and Xylopia ferruginea; at the tree, the level is dominated by H. brasiliensis and Lithocarpus sp. At the seedling, sapling, pole, and tree levels, the diversity values were moderate and the species richness values were moderate to high, and the species distribution was even (stable). The H. brasiliensis agroforest system with various trees in it is a characteristic of local wisdom that the people of Tumbang Mantuhe Village have applied from generation to generation, which provides a balance between ecology and economy.