Thyroid peroxidase

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

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

References

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD