Thyroid peroxidase

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme produced in the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in the production of thyroid hormones which are essential for normal metabolism, growth and development.

Function

TPO is involved in the iodination of tyrosine, a process which is necessary for the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are responsible for regulating the body's metabolic rate and affect every cell in the body. They also play a role in protein synthesis and increase the body's sensitivity to catecholamines like adrenaline.

Clinical significance

TPO is a major autoantigen in the disease autoimmune thyroiditis. Antibodies produced against TPO cause the most common form of thyroiditis, known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. TPO antibodies can also be found in Graves' disease, another autoimmune disease of the thyroid.

Testing

Testing for TPO antibodies in the blood can help diagnose these conditions. High levels of TPO antibodies are indicative of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, while moderate levels may suggest the presence of Graves' disease.

See also

• Thyroid function tests
• Thyroid disease
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Graves' disease

References

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