Which antibody is commonly associated with autoimmune thyroiditis?

Which antibody is commonly associated with autoimmune thyroiditis?

• A. TSH receptor antibody
• B. Thyroid peroxidase antibody
• C. Anti-thyroglobulin antibody
• D. Anti-microsomal antibody

Answer: (B)

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are the antibodies most commonly linked with autoimmune thyroiditis. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system targets thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme essential for the iodination and organification steps in making thyroid hormones. The presence of these antibodies (TPOAb) is a typical and sensitive marker of autoimmune thyroid disease and often correlates with the autoimmune destruction of the thyroid leading to hypothyroidism. TSH receptor antibodies, by contrast, are mainly associated with Graves’ disease, where they stimulate the TSH receptor and cause hyperthyroidism. Anti-microsomal antibodies are an older name for thyroid peroxidase antibodies, so they aren’t a distinct diagnostic marker from the TPO antibodies. Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies can be present in autoimmune thyroid conditions but are less specific and less central to autoimmune thyroiditis than TPO antibodies.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are the antibodies most commonly linked with autoimmune thyroiditis. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system targets thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme essential for the iodination and organification steps in making thyroid hormones. The presence of these antibodies (TPOAb) is a typical and sensitive marker of autoimmune thyroid disease and often correlates with the autoimmune destruction of the thyroid leading to hypothyroidism.

TSH receptor antibodies, by contrast, are mainly associated with Graves’ disease, where they stimulate the TSH receptor and cause hyperthyroidism. Anti-microsomal antibodies are an older name for thyroid peroxidase antibodies, so they aren’t a distinct diagnostic marker from the TPO antibodies. Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies can be present in autoimmune thyroid conditions but are less specific and less central to autoimmune thyroiditis than TPO antibodies.