Can interferon cause hypothyroidism?
Type of Thyroid Dysfunction Induced by IFN. There are three different types of thyroid dysfunction associated with IFN treatment: (1) autoimmune (often subclinical) hypothyroidism; (2) destructive thyroiditis; and (3) Graves’ hyperthyroidism.
How does interferon alpha cause hypothyroidism?
Immune mediated effects of interferon-alpha IFNα receptor activation results in activation of the JAK-STAT pathway (82), leading to activation of a large number of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) including cytokine and adhesion molecule genes (83;84). These combined effects can induce thyroid autoimmunity.
How does interferon affect the thyroid?
IFN-β therapy can affect the thyroid function either through its direct thyrotoxic properties or indirectly by inducing autoimmune-mediated thyroid dysfunction. This can be presented as autoimmune thyroiditis either clinically overt manifestations or subclinical laboratory findings [8].
Can interferon cause hyperthyroidism?
The important immunomodulatory properties of IFN are due to its ability to induce autoimmune phenomena; however, that effect can result in patients developing autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism [16].
What is the root cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, is an autoimmune disorder. That means it is caused by a malfunction in your immune system. Instead of protecting your thyroid tissue, your immune cells attack it.
What does Hashimoto’s do to the brain?
Additionally, an unmanaged autoimmune condition causes chronic inflammation. The chronic inflammation that so many Hashimoto’s patients struggle with inflames the brain too. This slows down the speed at which the brain operates, makes it function less efficiently and causes it to degenerate more quickly.
Can Hashimoto’s disease cause liver problems?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients with hypothyroidism have increased serum markers of oxidative stress (e.g., malondialdehyde) [154]. Metabolic products of inadequate fatty acid oxidation set off and worsen liver inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis [155,156].
What is the use of alpha interferon?
Alpha interferon is a cytokine produced by the innate immune system in response to environmental exposures including viral infections. Alpha interferon in various formulations has been developed as therapy of several forms of cancer and viral infections, but its major use has been as therapy of chronic hepatitis C.
Does Hashimoto’s destroy the thyroid?
The disorder causes the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that attack thyroid tissue and eventually destroy the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism, or the underproduction of thyroid hormone. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common form of autoimmune thyroid disease.