Anti TG

DESCRIPTION:
Antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG) are directed at thyroglobulin, a component of thyroid cells. Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein produced in thyroid follicles: together with the enzyme TPO (thyroid peroxidase), it is necessary for the iodination of L-tyrosine and the production of thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Tg and TPO are potentially autoantigens. TG is not secreted into the bloodstream under normal conditions. However, damage to thyroid follicles during inflammatory conditions (thyroiditis and autoimmune hypothyroidism) or accelerated impaired growth of thyroid tissue (as can be seen in Graves’ disease) can lead to leakage of TG into the blood. This results in the formation of autoantibodies to TG (anti-TG) in some individuals.

DETERMINATION:
SAMPLE: Serum. METHOD: CMIA

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
An elevated level of antibodies to thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) is found in the serum of people who have: – Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – primary myxedema – Graves’ disease – mild hyper- or hypothyroidism – other autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) Autoimmune thyroid diseases occur relatively often compared to other autoimmune diseases. The most common autoimmune disorder in the thyroid leads to weaker thyroid function and is known as Hashimoto’s disease or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.

In this disorder, among other things, one or both antibodies (anti-TPO and/or anti-Tg) are elevated in the patient’s blood. The concentration of antibodies in the blood varies depending on how active the autoimmune disease is, and it is necessary to check them at least once a year. By treating autoimmune disease, that is, the immune system, it is possible to significantly reduce the concentration of antibodies in the blood. Anti.TG is diagnostically insufficiently sensitive, so it is most often combined with antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO). Along with anti-TPO antibodies, anti-Tg is found in 70-80% of people with Hashimoto’s and in 30% of people with Graves’ disease. The level of anti-Tg can completely normalize during the disease, but it can also rise again.