Perspective Chapter: Role of Anti-TPO Association with the Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

Abstract

An organization of cells and molecules with specific functions for protection against infection is known as the immune system. When immune system reacts against its own cells known as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune thyroid diseases are grouped under endocrinal diseases in which the immune system attacks the body’s own thyroid gland. In autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), an immunological alteration occurs in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. In this case, certain enzymes, surface proteins, and receptors such as thyroperoxidase, thyroglobulin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors start acting as antigens; against these antigens, relevant antibodies are produced by the body, and cell-mediated cytotoxicity gets induced. These autoimmune endocrinal diseases are characterized by the presence of high titers of antibodies like thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO-Abs) and thyroglobulin antibodies, produced by our own body system. In conclusion, anti-TPO can play a crucial role in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis. Anti-TPO is the prognosis marker for the child and adult who have normal thyroid function tests in euthyroidism, subclinical thyroidism. Thus, anti-TPO along with thyroid function tests play a substantial role in the clinical management of autoimmune thyroiditis.