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Antibodies are compounds of a complex type, which include carbohydrate and protein (produced by the immune system to detect and destroy pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms). It is worth noting that autoantibodies instantly react even to minimal deviations from the norm in the body: they can begin to perceive healthy cells as dangerous, therefore, actively destroying them.
It is for this reason that an analysis for antibodies to thyroperoxidase (an enzyme by which the thyroid gland synthesizes iodine-containing hormones) makes it possible to determine the presence of a disease even when they, in fact, have not yet manifested themselves.
Problems with the thyroid gland and a violation of the level of hormones T4, T3, TSH can cause serious consequences, such as a thyrotoxic crisis, hypothyroid coma, and even death. Endocrinologists unanimously argue that thyroid problems are easy to solve if they are diagnosed in a timely manner.
Reasons for the appearance of antibodies to thyroperoxidase
Thyroid peroxidase is a special thyroid enzyme.
It accelerates the process of iodination of tyrosine residues of the thyroglobulin protein, and also activates the fusion of iodotyrosines, known as T4 and T3.
The body, for one reason or another, may begin to consider this enzyme as foreign, therefore, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase begin to be produced to destroy the enzyme.
There are a number of reasons that can affect the immune system to begin an active process of producing antibodies to thyroid peroxidase: autoimmune diseases, diseases and injuries of the thyroid gland, genetics, chronic ailments, sinusitis, anemia, diabetes, overdose or iodine deficiency, past illnesses of viral etiology, poisoning, radiation.
A frequent increase in the amount of antibodies to thyroperoxidase is observed in women during pregnancy. This phenomenon occurs due to the restructuring of the hormonal and immune systems in order to effectively endure the baby.
During pregnancy, the thyroid gland of a woman begins to work in a special way, since she is obliged to enrich not only her body, but also the body of the developing fetus with the necessary amount of vital elements. Among the main and frequently occurring causes of an increase in AT to thyroperoxidase, the following number of factors should be noted:
- various pathologies of the endocrine system and thyroid gland;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- rheumatism;
- pernicious anemia.
In the event that pregnancy is the cause of the imbalance in the level of enzymes, the amount of antibodies will return to normal on its own eight months after childbirth.
Characteristic indicators of the presence of excessive levels of hormones
If the amount of antibodies to thyroperoxidase is in excess, the development of a disease such as hypothyroidism is not excluded. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the concentration of thyroid hormones is low. This pathology often manifests itself along with the inflammatory process of the thyroid gland and diffuse toxic goiter. Thyroid hormones are actively involved in the process of development and growth of the body, therefore, insufficient or excessive production of them can provoke the development of various negative consequences.
Diseases of the thyroid gland at an early stage are very difficult to diagnose, since they do not have pronounced symptoms. At the initial stage, an elevated level of ATPO can be characterized by the following symptoms:
- swelling of the legs;
- development of hypotension;
- a slight decrease in body temperature;
- dry skin;
- causeless feeling of anxiety;
- hair loss;
- apathy.
There may also be malfunctions in the reproductive, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive systems and the musculoskeletal system. The size of the thyroid gland increases in order to maximize the dosage of hormones necessary for the body.
An enlarged thyroid gland can cause discomfort in the form of difficulty swallowing, hoarseness during a conversation, and pain.
An increase in antibodies may indicate the presence of Graves’ disease, thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, diffuse toxic goiter. If it is not changed, then other indirect factors can also provoke a violation of the antibody production process: glomerulonephritis, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes, autoimmune gastritis, insufficient amounts of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, scleroderma.
If a woman has antibodies to thyroperoxidase during pregnancy, a blood test is mandatory for the child.
Algorithm for conducting an analysis for antibodies
The analysis allows you to accurately determine the functional disorders of the thyroid gland. In patients aged 20 to 35 years, the norm of AT to TPO is less than 35 units / l; under the age of 50 – from 35 to 50 units / l .; older than 50 years – up to 100 units / l .; pathological indicators – over 120 units / l.
In the laboratory, only venous blood is taken. Half an hour before the test, the patient should stop using tobacco products. Three days before the procedure, it is important not to consume alcoholic beverages, fatty and fried foods. Blood sampling is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. During the diagnosis period, the doctor takes into account not only the results of the analysis for the amount of antibodies to thyroperoxidase, but also the amount of antibodies to TSH receptors and thyroglobulin. Also, the doctor without fail prescribes an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. In rare cases, an additional CT or MRI procedure is needed.
In order to restore the functioning of the thyroid gland as much as possible, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and pass a number of necessary tests. Accurate and timely diagnosis will allow you to determine the diagnosis in a timely manner and choose the most effective treatment.