Thyroid peroxidase

Thyroid Peroxidase

Thyroid peroxidase (pronunciation: thy-roid per-ox-i-dase), often abbreviated as TPO, is an enzyme expressed mainly in the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in the production of thyroid hormones.

Etymology

The term "thyroid peroxidase" is derived from its function and location. "Thyroid" refers to the thyroid gland where the enzyme is predominantly found, and "peroxidase" refers to its enzymatic function of catalyzing reactions involving hydrogen peroxide.

Function

Thyroid peroxidase is involved in the synthesis of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It catalyzes the iodination of tyrosine residues in thyroglobulin, a protein produced by the thyroid gland, and the coupling of these iodinated residues to form T4 and T3.

Clinical Significance

Antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, known as TPO antibodies, are often present in autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Testing for TPO antibodies can help in the diagnosis of these conditions.

Related Terms

• Thyroid gland
• Thyroid hormones
• Thyroxine (T4)
• Triiodothyronine (T3)
• Tyrosine
• Thyroglobulin
• TPO antibodies
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Graves' disease

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Thyroid peroxidase
• Wikipedia's article - Thyroid peroxidase

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