Evaluation of IL-10, MCP-1, IFN gamma, and protectin D1 levels in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Purpose Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most prevalent autoimmune endocrine diseases and caused by the loss of immune tolerance for the thyroid gland. Many pathophysiological mechanisms were speculated about the development of HT. In our study, we aimed to reveal the relationship between HT and IL-10, MCP-1, IFN gamma, and PD1 levels and compare them with control subjects. Methods We collected 37 patients with HT and 25 controls referred to our outpatient clinic. The diagnosis of HT was based on the detection of circulating antibodies to thyroid antigens and decreasing echogenicity on thyroid USG in patients with appropriate clinical characteristics. Serum IL-10, MCP-1, IFN gamma, and PD1 levels were detected using an ELISA KIT (96 T) method according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results All subjects were euthyroid (median TSH level was 1.68 mU/L in HT vs 1.83 mU/L in the controls, p = 0.672). Twenty-three of 37 patients with HT were taking L-thyroxin replacement. Levels of serum IL-10, IFN gamma, and PD1 in patients with HT were higher than the controls, but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.393, p = 0.495, and p = 0.052 respectively). The serum levels of MCP-1 in HT patients were statistically different and higher than the controls (p = 0.018). Correlation analysis displayed significant associations between IL-10, MCP-1, IFN gamma, and PD1 levels. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that serum MCP-1 levels in HT patients were significantly increased; on the other hand, significant difference was not found between HT patients and the controls in terms of serum IL-10, IFN gamma, and PD1 levels.
Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit [TGA-2022-23376]
This project was supported by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit through Project Number: TGA-2022-23376.