THYROID ANTIBODIES LEVELS IN EUTHYROID MEN AND WOMEN - RESIDENTS OF THE ARCTIC ZONE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of thyroid antibodies and their relationship with thyroid hormones and thyroglobulin in euthyroid men and women, residents of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. A total of 208 apparently healthy people were enrolled in this study and classified into two groups depending on gender and level of autoantibodies in the blood. Serum hormones of the pituitary-thyroid system, thyroglobulin and antibodies concentration was measured by enzyme immunoassay. The prevalence of positive antibodies among various examined groups was determined and the characteristics of euthyroid subjects with abnormal thyroid antibodies levels were studied. Circulating positive thyroid antibodies were found in 20% of the surveyed residents of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The median serum antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (AntiTPO) or thyroglobulin (AntiTG) levels and the percentage of people in general population with positive antibodies (i.e. AntiTPO ≥ 50 IU / ml and / or AntiTG ≥ 100 IU / ml) were statistically significant higher in women than in men, p < 0.01. Such thyroid antibodies levels were associated with a higher thyroid gland functional activity in women, which was demonstrated by significantly higher thyroxin level and lower thyroglobulin value in the peripheral blood. Part of women positive for AntiTPO increased with age from 18 to 33% (in groups aged 18-44 and 45-59 years, p = 0.04). The findings of the study reveal correlation between thyroid function test and thyroid antibodies levels, elaborating the clinical importance of thyroid antibodies in clinical examination and follow-up of patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders.