Analysis of chosen polymorphisms rs2476601 a/G - PTPN22, rs1990760 C/T - IFIH1, rs179247 a/G - TSHR in pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases in children

A pilot study of interferon-induced helicase and glutamate decarboxylase gene polymorphism with autoimmune thyroid disease

BACKGROUND

Numerous genes are involved in immune system modulation, and their polymorphisms may contribute to developing autoimmune disorders. Genetic variation contributes significantly to disease susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).

OBJECTIVES

This work aims to investigate the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interferon induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) rs1990760 and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) rs769404 in AITD development.

METHODS

The study had 330 participants, including 153 cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), 77 cases of Graves' disease (GD), and 100 healthy controls. All subjects underwent medical history assessment and clinical evaluation. Tests were conducted using real-time PCR, including genotyping of IFIH1 (rs1990760) and GAD (rs769404) via an allele discrimination assay.

RESULTS

Most patients with AITD were females. About 18.3% of HT cases and 15.6% of GD cases have a positive family history of thyroid disease. A significant statistical difference was observed between AITD cases and control regarding IFIH1 (rs1990760) and GAD (rs769404) gene polymorphism. Moreover, GD patients, HT patients, and the control group showed increased CT and TT alleles in patients compared to those in controls.

CONCLUSION

IFIH1 and GAD polymorphisms are involved in AITDs (HT and GD) development and are associated with some clinical presentations. HT and GD cases had a positive family history of thyroid disease. There was a significant statistical difference between AITD cases and control regarding IFIH1 (rs1990760) and GAD (rs769404) gene polymorphism.

STAT3 single-nucleotide variants in autoimmune thyroid disease in the Pakhtun population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The current study was conducted to assess the relationship between the STAT3 gene variants rs744166 and rs2293152 and autoimmune thyroid disorder in the Pakhtun population of the province, of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Blood was collected from 100 healthy individuals and 400 thyroid-disordered patients. Of these, one hundred were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), while 32 were confirmed as Grave's disease (GD) patients. T3, T4, and TSH serum levels were checked to diagnose thyroid disorders. The blood was analyzed for anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (Anti-TPOAb) (AESKULISA- ATPO - elisa kit), (Germany), and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSHRAb), TSHR Ab elisa kit (Diametra Italy), respectively. PCR was used to amplify the targeted STAT3 gene polymorphisms from rs744166 (301 bp) and rs2293152 (365 bp) sequences and then digested by specific restriction endonucleases (AluI) and AciI respectively. The disease displayed a female predominance. The genotype TC and CC of rs744166 showed a significant relationship with Grave's disease (p = 0.002, OR = 0.28, 95 % CI = 0.11-0.77) in patients. The C allele contributed significantly to the disease in GD patients. The SNP rs2293152 significantly differed between GD patients and control (p = 0.032, OR = 0.29, 95 % CI = 0.09-0.86). Similarly, the G and C alleles showed a significant (p = 0.02) difference between GD patients and the control. No significant association was found for both SNPs in Hashimoto's thyroiditis disease. It is concluded that the STAT3 gene (rs744166 and rs2293152) was found to have a potential role in autoimmunity in GD patients. Still, it needs further studies with larger sample sizes in the Pakhtun population to understand this relationship.

TSHR Gene (rs179247) Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGRUOUND

Both Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are classified as autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). It has been hypothesized that changes in the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene may contribute to the development of these conditions. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the TSHR rs179247 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to AITD.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough search of the Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases up until March 2, 2024, utilizing a combination of relevant keywords. This review examines data on the association between TSHR rs179247 and susceptibility to AITD. Random-effect models were employed to assess the odds ratio (OR), and the findings are presented along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 12 studies. All genetic models of the TSHR rs179247 gene polymorphism were associated with an increased risk of developing GD. Specifically, the associations were observed in the dominant model (OR, 1.65; P<0.00001), recessive model (OR, 1.65; P<0.00001), as well as for the AA genotype (OR, 2.09; P<0.00001), AG genotype (OR, 1.39; P<0.00001), and A allele (OR, 1.44; P<0.00001). Further regression analysis revealed that these associations were consistent regardless of the country of origin, sample size, age, and sex distribution. However, no association was found between TSHR rs179247 and the risk of HT across all genetic models.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the TSHR rs179247 gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of GD, but not with HT, and may therefore serve as a potential biomarker.

Unraveling susceptibility genes: A contemporary overview of autoimmune thyroid diseases

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are organ-specific autoimmune disorders characterized by conditions including goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, which represent the most severe clinical manifestations of AITDs. The prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders is on the rise, influenced by increased environmental factors and changes in modern lifestyles. Understanding the pathophysiology of AITDs is crucial for identifying key factors that affect the disease's onset, progression, and recurrence, thereby laying a solid foundation for precise diagnosis and treatment. The development of AITDs involves a complex interplay of environmental influences, immune dysfunctions, and genetic predispositions. Genetic predispositions, in particular, are significant, with numerous genes identified as being linked to AITDs. This article focuses on examining the genes vulnerable to AITDs to deepen our understanding of the relevant genetic contributors, ultimately facilitating the development of effective prevention and treatment methods.

Physiological functions of RIG-I-like receptors

RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are crucial for pathogen detection and triggering immune responses and have immense physiological importance. In this review, we first summarize the interferon system and innate immunity, which constitute primary and secondary responses. Next, the molecular structure of RLRs and the mechanism of sensing non-self RNA are described. Usually, self RNA is refractory to the RLR; however, there are underlying host mechanisms that prevent immune reactions. Studies have revealed that the regulatory mechanisms of RLRs involve covalent molecular modifications, association with regulatory factors, and subcellular localization. Viruses have evolved to acquire antagonistic RLR functions to escape the host immune reactions. Finally, the pathologies caused by the malfunction of RLR signaling are described.

Association of the rs1990760, rs3747517, and rs10930046 polymorphisms in the IFIH1 gene with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases: a meta-analysis

Objective

Interferon induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1990760, rs3747517, and rs10930046 have been shown to be closely related to the risk of autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was firstly to examine the association of the rs1990760 with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a Chinese population. Secondly, to assess the association of SNP rs1990760, rs3747517, and rs10930046 with autoimmune diseases susceptibility.

Methods

A total of 1,273 T1D patients and 1,010 healthy control subjects in a Chinese population were enrolled in this case-control study. Subsequently, we performed a meta-analysis on the association of the SNP rs1990760, rs3747517, and rs10930046 in the IFIH1 gene with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The random and fixed genetic effects models were used to evaluate the association and the effect sizes, including odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Stratification analyses based on ethnicity and the type of autoimmune diseases were performed.

Results

IFIH1 SNP rs1990760 was not associated with a significant risk of T1D in the Chinese population in the case-control study. A total of 35 studies including 70,966 patients and 124,509 controls were identified and included in the meta-analysis. The results displayed significant associations between IFIH1 rs1990760 A allele and rs3747517 C allele and autoimmune diseases risk (OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.01~1.17; OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.15~1.25, respectively). Stratified analysis indicated a significant association rs1990760 and rs3747517 with autoimmune diseases risk in the Caucasian population (OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.02~1.20, OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.18~1.41, respectively).

Conclusions

This study revealed no association between IFIH1 SNP rs1990760 and T1D in Chinese. Furthermore, the meta-analysis indicated that rs1990760 and rs3747517 polymorphisms, confer susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, especially in the Caucasian population.

Genotype-phenotype correlations in Graves' disease

Graves' disease (GD) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease affecting with varying degrees of severity the thyroid gland, orbital tissues and skin. The pathogenesis of GD involves a complex interplay between multiple genetic, environmental and endogenous factors. Although the genetic predisposition to GD is well established, the significance of genotype-phenotype correlations and the role of epigenetic modifications in the disease pathogenesis remains largely unknown. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of genotype-phenotype correlations and summarize possible clinical implications of genetic and epigenetic markers in GD patients. We will specifically discuss the association of genetic markers and epigenetic modifications with age of GD onset, severity of Graves' hyperthyroidism and the development of clinically evident Graves' orbitopathy.

Helper T Cell 17 and Regulatory T Cell Levels in Peripheral Blood of Newly Diagnosed Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Meta-Analysis

This article aims to explore associated immune indicators of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) through a meta-analysis of published case-control studies on newly diagnosed AITD patients, intending to provide some suggestions for research on the mechanisms of AITD. Six electronic databases were searched for case-control studies on newly diagnosed AITD patients from inception to August 15, 2022. A random-effects model was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A total of 26 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Patients with newly diagnosed AITD had higher levels of helper T cell 17 (Th17) (Hashimoto's disease (HT): SMD=2.35, 95% CI: 1.98, 2.72; Graves' disease (GD): SMD=1.61, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.98), lower levels of regulatory T cell (Treg) (HT: SMD=-2.04, 95% CI: -2.67, -1.42; GD: SMD=-1.35, 95% CI: -2.11, -0.58), and lower levels of forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) mRNA (HT: SMD=-2.58, 95% CI: -3.12, -2.05; GD: SMD=-2.13, 95% CI: -2.56, -1.70), compared to the healthy population. In addition, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs3761548 and rs3761549 in the promoter region of FoxP3 showed a higher frequency in the comparison of genotype "CT" only in HT patients than in the healthy population (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.18, 2.34). In patients with newly diagnosed AITD, the Th17/Treg ratio imbalance may develop AITD. Monitoring Th17 and Treg levels may become an essential tool to assess the organism's immune homeostasis and hopefully guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Genetic Polymorphism of PTPN22 in Autoimmune Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

It is known that the etiology and clinical outcomes of autoimmune diseases are associated with a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In the case of the genetic factor, the SNPs of the PTPN22 gene have shown strong associations with several diseases. The recent exploding numbers of genetic studies have made it possible to find these associations rapidly, and a variety of autoimmune diseases were found to be associated with PTPN22 polymorphisms. Proteins encoded by PTPN22 play a key role in the adaptative and immune systems by regulating both T and B cells. Gene variants, particularly SNPs, have been shown to significantly disrupt several immune functions. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of how PTPN22 and its genetic variants are involved in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. In addition, we sum up the findings of studies reporting the genetic association of PTPN22 with different types of diseases, including type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and several other diseases. By understanding these findings comprehensively, we can explain the complex etiology of autoimmunity and help to determine the criteria of disease diagnosis and prognosis, as well as medication developments.

Functional significance of the rare rs35667974 IFIH1 gene polymorphism, associated with multiple autoimmune diseases, using a structural biological approach

Autoimmune diseases, which affect approximately 5% of human population, are a range of diseases in which the immune response to self-antigens results in damage or dysfunction of tissues. Recent genome wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified novel autoimmune disease-associated loci, with many of them shared by multiple disease-associated pathways but much of the genetics and pathophysiological mechanisms remain still obscure. Considering that most of the potential causal variants are still unknown, many studies showed that the missense variant rs35667974 at interferon-induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) gene is protective for type 1 diabetes (T1D), psoriasis (PS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Recently, this variant was found to be also associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The IFIH1 gene encodes a cytoplasmic RNA helicase otherwise known as melanoma differentiation-associated 5 (MDA5) that recognizes viral RNA and is involved in innate immunity through recognition of viral RNA. In the present study we sought to investigate the association of the rare rs35667974 variant of IFIH1 gene, which resides in exon 14 and changes a conserved isoleucine at position #923 to valine, in the development of various autoimmune diseases and give a reason for the selectivity affecting different autoimmune diseases. Evolutionary studies and three-dimensional (3 D) homology modelling were employed on the MDA5 protein product, through its association with dsRNA, recognition factor controlling cytokine and chemokine signalling, to investigate the protective role of the MDA5 variant for certain autoimmune diseases.

Genetics, Epigenetics, Cellular Immunology, and Gut Microbiota: Emerging Links With Graves' Disease

Graves’ disease (GD) is a well-known organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by hyperthyroidism, goiter, and exophthalmos. The incidence of GD is approximately 2.0–3.0% in China and 0.5–2.0% in Western countries. Due to the complex pathogenesis and etiology of GD, current treatment methods have great side effects that seriously endanger human health. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the pathogenesis of GD. Various studies have shown that genetics, epigenetics, cellular immunology, and gut microbiota are all involved in the development of GD. Genetically, CD25 gene and VDR gene polymorphisms are involved in the development of GD by increasing the ratio of Th17/Treg cells. Epigenetically, miR-23a-3p and lncRNA-MEG3 lead to Th17/Treg imbalance and participate in the progression of GD. Moreover, commensal microbe deletion can disrupt Th17/Treg balance and participate in the occurrence of GD. The imbalance of Th17/Treg cells induced by genetics, epigenetics, and gut microbiota plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of GD. Therefore, this article reviews the role of genetics, epigenetics, cellular immunology, and gut microbiota in the pathogenic mechanism of GD. This may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and providing promising therapeutic targets.

Genetic Susceptibility to Joint Occurrence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: How Far Is Our Understanding?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) are endocrine disorders that commonly occur among young women. A higher prevalence of HT in women with PCOS, relative to healthy individuals, is observed consistently. Combined occurrence of both diseases is associated with a higher risk of severe metabolic and reproductive complications. Genetic factors strongly impact the pathogenesis of both PCOS and HT and several susceptibility loci associated with a higher risk of both disorders have been identified. Furthermore, some candidate gene polymorphisms are thought to be functionally relevant; however, few genetic variants are proposed to be causally associated with the incidence of both disorders together.

Breast cancer populations may have an increased prevalence of thyroglobulin antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Thyroid autoimmunity might be in relation to other autoimmune endocrine disease or non-endocrine disorders and there are innate and adaptive immune cells in breast cancer. Because autoimmune factors are common characteristics of both thyroid autoimmunity and breast cancer, these two types of diseases may occur concurrently in certain patients. The chief goal of this meta-analysis is to perform a combined analysis of the raw data from all included studies, and thereby obtain a reliable conclusion concerning whether TgAb or TPOAb positivity and breast cancer are indeed correlated.

METHODS

To determine whether a correlation exists between TgAb or TPOAb positivity and breast cancer, this study performed a review of the literature that began by searching for articles in Chinese or English from the Medline, Embase, Web of Science core, Wanfang, Weipu and SinoMed databases, published during the time span extending from January 1980 to December 2017. On the basis of these raw data, we calculated odds ratio (OR) values, 95% confidence interval (CI) values, and P values.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies were included in this study. By combining the raw data from the retrieved studies, we were able to perform a meta-analysis. The results of this meta-analysis support the hypothesis that patients with breast cancer have a higher TgAb or TPOAb positive rate than the non-breast disease control group (TgAb: OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.81-4.05, P < 0.001; TPOAb: OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 2.17-3.77, P < 0.001, respectively). Testing for publication bias indicated that no significant publication bias was present in this meta-analysis, and sensitivity analysis indicated that the results of analysis were stable and reliable.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis suggest strongly that, the TgAb or TPOAb positive rate among patients with breast cancer should be higher than among the non-breast disease control group.

Analysis of Polymorphisms rs7093069-IL-2RA, rs7138803-FAIM2, and rs1748033-PADI4 in the Group of Adolescents With Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

INTRODUCTION

The pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases is complicated and not completely known. Among the causes of thyroid autoimmunity, we distinguish genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis are associated with a disturbance of immune tolerance of thyroid antigen molecules. The IL2RA gene is located on chromosome 10 and encodes the interleukin 2 receptor (IL2RA), which is expressed by the regulatory T-cells (Tregs) responsible for suppression. It has been shown that this gene and its polymorphism occur in people with various autoimmune diseases (e.g. type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' disease, or multiple sclerosis). The FAIM2 gene is located on chromosome 12 and encodes the molecule involved in the apoptosis inhibition process. The PADI4 gene is located on chromosome 1, and its expression is associated with activation of T-cells, differentiation of macrophages, which leads to increased inflammation.

AIM

The aim of the study was to analyze the polymorphisms of the IL-2RA (rs7093069), FAIM2 (rs7138803) and PADI4 (rs1748033) genes and their correlation to thyroid hormones and anti-thyroid antibodies in pediatric patients with Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis compared to the control group.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed in 180 patients with GD (mean age 16.5 ± 2), 80 with HT (mean age, 15.2 ± 2.2), and 114 children without any autoimmune diseases (mean age 16.3 ± 3) recruited from the endocrinology outpatient clinic. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs7138803-FAIM2, rs7093069-IL-2RA, and rs1748033 PADI4 were determined by TaqMan SNP QuanStudio 12K Flex-OpenArray genotyping with PCR and correlated to thyroid hormones and anti-thyroid antibodies.

RESULTS

Rs7090369-IL-2RA allele T was more frequent in patients with AITDs (33.7% in GD vs 28.7% in HT, p = 0.077, OR = 1.52) compared with healthy children (25%). Allele T of that gene predisposes to the occurrence of autoimmune thyroid diseases, especially GD and TT genotype gives a statistically significant 5.2 times higher risk of GD (p = 0.03, OR = 5.26) and increased risk of HT (p = 0.109, OR = 4.46). Allele A rs7138803-FAIM2 is more frequent in patients with GD (p = 0.071, OR = 1.45) and HT (p = 0.028, OR = 1.8). In our data the presence of GG genotype of that gene significantly reduces the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases (p = 0.05, OR = 0.42). Allele C rs1748033PADI4 and its CC genotype were more frequent in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases, but it was not statistically significant. The occurrence of CT genotype significantly reduces the risk of HT (p = 0.03, OR = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

1). Polymorphisms rs7138803-FAIM2 and rs1748033-PADI4 are more frequent in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases, more frequent in patients with Hashimoto' thyroiditis, but the occurrence of GG rs7138803-FAIM2 genotype could reduce the risk of thyrocyte apoptosis inhibition. 2). The TT rs7093069-IL2RA genotype may increase the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases. 3). Analysis of polymorphisms of given genes in clinical practice will allow to determine predisposition to autoimmune thyroid disease development, to find symptoms of thyroid gland dysfunction earlier and to use appropriate treatment.

Genetic Association Study of IL2RA, IFIH1, and CTLA-4 Polymorphisms With Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases and Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) which include Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) as well as type 1 diabetes (T1D) are common autoimmune disorders in children. Many genes are involved in the modulation of the immune system and their polymorphisms might predispose to autoimmune diseases development. According to the literature genes encoding IL2RA (alpha subunit of Interleukin 2 receptor), IFIH1 (Interferon induced with helicase C domain 1) and CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T cell antigen 4) might be associated with autoimmune diseases pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to assess the association of chosen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL2RA, IFIH1, and CTLA-4 genes in the group of Polish children with AITDs and in children with T1D. We analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL2RA region (rs7093069), IFIH1 region (rs1990760) and CTLA-4 region (rs231775) in group of Polish children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (n = 194) and autoimmune thyroid diseases (GD n = 170, HT n = 81) and healthy age and sex matched controls for comparison (n = 110). There were significant differences observed between T1D patients and control group in alleles of IL2RA (rs7093069 T > C) and CTLA-4 (rs231775 G > A). In addition, the study revealed T/T genotype at the IL2RA locus (rs7093069) and G/G genotype at the CTLA-4 locus (rs231775) to be statistically significant more frequent in children with T1D. Moreover, genotypes C/T and T/T at the IFIH1 locus (rs1990760) were significantly more frequent in patients with T1D than in controls. We observed no significant differences between AITD patients and a control group in analyzed SNPs. In conclusion, we detected that each allele T of rs7093069 SNP at the IL2RA locus and G allele of rs231775 SNP at the CTLA-4 locus as well as C/T and T/T genotypes of rs1990760 SNP at the IFIH1 locus are predisposing in terms of T1D development. Thereby, we confirmed that IL2RA, IFIH1, and CTLA-4 gene locus have a role in T1D susceptibility. The analysis of selected SNPs revealed no association with AITDs in a group of Polish children and adolescents.

Association of PTPN22 polymorphism and its correlation with Graves' disease susceptibility in Polish adult population-A preliminary study

Background

Susceptibility to Graves' disease (GD) is determined by various genetic factors; the gene encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPN22) may be one of those associated with higher risk of GD. The aim was to estimate the association of the PTPN22 gene polymorphism rs2476601:c.C>T (c.1858C>T) with the predisposition to GD within the adult north‐eastern Polish population.

Methods

PTPN22 gene polymorphism was analyzed in individuals with clinical GD history (n = 166) and healthy subjects (n = 154). The presence of different variants of the investigated gene polymorphism was estimated using the DNA Sanger sequencing method.

Results

Patients with GD had a more frequent occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene compared to the control group, however, it was not significant (p = 0.257). Analysis of genotype distribution showed significantly more frequent occurrence of TT homozygote in GD patients compared to control individuals (p = 0.016, OR = 9.28). Patients with ophthalmopathy had a less frequent occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene compared to patients without ophthalmopathy, however, it was not significant (p = 0.12). Occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene in GD manifestation in those under 40‐year old was more frequent compared to individuals over 40, but the obtained difference was also not significant (p = 0.75).

Conclusions

Our preliminary study suggest that PTPN22:c.1858C>T gene polymorphism may be associated with a predisposition to GD within the adult north‐eastern Polish population. The studied polymorphism of the PTPN22 gene did not significantly affect the risk of ophthalmopathy developing and disease manifestation before the age of 40.

Correlation of TSHR and CTLA-4 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Graves Disease

This study was designed to explore the association between Graves disease (GD) and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We studied a total of 1217 subjects from a Han population in northern Anhui province in China. Six SNPs within TSHR (rs179247, rs12101261, rs2284722, rs4903964, rs2300525, and rs17111394) and four SNPs within CTLA-4 (rs10197319, rs231726, rs231804, and rs1024161) were genotyped via a Taqman probe technique using a Fluidigm EP1 platform. The TSHR alleles rs179247-G, rs12101261-C, and rs4903964-G were negatively correlated with GD, whereas the rs2284722-A and rs17111394-C alleles were positively correlated with GD. Analyzing TSHR SNPs at rs179247, rs2284722, rs12101261, and rs4903964 yielded 8 different haplotypes. There were positive correlations between GD risk and the haplotypes AGTA and AATA (OR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.07-1.50, P = 0.005; OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.21-1.75, P < 0.001, respectively). There were negative correlations between GD risk and the haplotype GGCG (OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.46-0.67, P < 0.001). With respect to haplotypes based on SNPs at the TSHR rs2300525 and rs17111394 loci, the CC haplotype was positively correlated with GD risk (OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.08-1.60, P = 0.006). Analyzing CTLA-4 SNPs at rs231804, rs1024161, and rs231726 yielded four haplotypes, of which AAA was positively correlated with GD risk (OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.02-1.43, P = 0.029). Polymorphisms at rs179247, rs12101261, rs2284722, rs4903964, and rs17111394 were associated with GD susceptibility. Haplotypes of both TSHR and CTLA-4 were additionally related to GD risk.