Celiac disease and glandular autoimmunity

Celiac disease is a small intestinal inflammatory disease with autoimmune features that is triggered and maintained by the ingestion of the storage proteins (gluten) of wheat, barley, and rye. Prevalence of celiac disease is increased in patients with mono- and/or polyglandular autoimmunity and their relatives. We have reviewed the current and pertinent literature that addresses the close association between celiac disease and endocrine autoimmunity. The close relationship between celiac disease and glandular autoimmunity can be largely explained by sharing of a common genetic background. Further, between 10 and 30% of patients with celiac disease are thyroid and/or type 1 diabetes antibody positive, while around 5–7% of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and/or polyglandular autoimmunity are IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody positive. While a gluten free diet does not reverse glandular autoimmunity, its early institution may delay or even prevent its first manifestation. In conclusion, this brief review highlighting the close association between celiac disease and both monoglandular and polyglandular autoimmunity, aims to underline the need for prospective studies to establish whether an early diagnosis of celiac disease and a prompt gluten-free diet may positively impact the evolution and manifestation of glandular autoimmunity

Thyrotropin receptor blocking antibodies

Autoantibodies (Ab) against the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) are frequently found in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Autoantibodies to the TSHR (anti-TSHR-Ab) may mimic or block the action of TSH or be functionally neutral. Measurement of anti-TSHR-Ab can be done either via competitive-binding immunoassays or with functional cell-based bioassays. Antibody-binding assays do not assess anti-TSHR-Ab functionality, but rather measure the concentration of total anti-TSHR binding activity. In contrast, functional cell-based bioassays indicate whether anti-TSHR-Ab have stimulatory or blocking activity. Historically bioassays for anti-TSHR-Ab were research tools and were used to study the pathophysiology of Graves\u27 disease and Hashimoto\u27s thyroiditis. In the past, bioassays for anti-TSHR-Abs were laborious and time-consuming and varied widely in performance from laboratory to laboratory. Recent advances in the development of cell-based assays, including the application of molecular engineering, have led to significant improvements that have enabled bioassays to be employed routinely in clinical laboratories. The prevalence and functional significance of TSHR blocking autoantibodies (TBAb) in autoimmune hypothyroidism has been less well investigated compared to TSHR stimulating Ab. There is an increasing body of data, however, that demonstrate the clinical utility and relevance of TBAb, and thus the importance of TBAb bioassays, in the diagnosis and management of patients with AITD. In the present review, we summarize the different methods used to measure TBAb, and discuss their prevalence and clinical relevance

Osetljivost tri testa za određivanje antitela na receptor za tireostimulišući hormon kod pacijenata sa orbitopatijom udruženom sa štitnom žlezdom

Background: Thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies (TSH-R-Ab) are indispensable biomarkers in the laboratory assessment of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO). Clinical sensitivity of three different assays for TSH-R-Ab determination was evaluated in patients with TAO. Methods: 87 consecutive TAO patients were enrolled and their serum samples analyzed in parallel with three assays. An ECLIA competitive binding and a chemiluminescent bridge immunoassay were used to measure total and bind-ing TSH-R-Ab concentration, while their functional activity was determined using a stimulatory TSH-R-Ab (TSAb) cell-based bioassay. Results: Compared to the two binding assays (ECLIA p<0.001, bridge p=0.003), the TSAb bioassay was more sensitive pertaining to the positive detection of TSH-R-Ab in TAO patients. No difference (p=0.057) was noted between the ECLIA and bridge assays regarding sensitivity rate. All patients with active and/or moderate-to-severe TAO tested positive in the TSAb bioassay (100% and 100%, respectively), while the positivity rates for bridge and ECLIA binding assays were 89.7% and 82.1% for active TAO, and 90.2% and 86.3% for severe TAO, respectively. Negative predictive values of the bioassay, bridge, and ECLIA assays were 100%, 75%, and 71%, respectively for active TAO, and 100%, 86%, and 71%, respectively for moderate-to-severe TAO. The superiority of the bioassay was most prominent in euthyroid (ET) TAO. Positivity rates of the TSAb bioassay, bridge and ECLIA binding assays were 89.6%, 75%, and 64.6%, respectively for inactive TAO; 86.1%, 69.4%, and 52.8%, respectively for mild TAO; 87.5%, 62.5%, and 12.5%, respectively for euthyroid TAO. The bridge assay correlated better with the ECLIA binding assay (r=0.893, p<0.001), compared to the bioassay (r=0.669, p<0.001). Conclusions: In patients with TAO of various activity and severity, the TSAb bioassay demonstrates a superior clinical performance compared to both ECLIA and bridge binding assays.Uvod: Autoantitela na receptore za tireostimulišući hormon (TSH-R-Ab) su nezamenljivi biomarkeri u laboratorijskoj proceni orbitopatije udru'ene sa štitnom žlezdom (TAO). U radu je procenjena klinička osetljivost tri različita testa za određivanje TSH-R-Ab kod pacijenata sa TAO. Metode: U studiju je ključeno 87 uzastopnih pacijenata sa TAO i njihovi uzorci seruma su analizirani paralelno sa tri testa. Za merenje ukupne i vezujuće koncentracije TSH-RAb korišćeni su ECLIA imunohemijski test kompetitivnog vezivanja i hemiluminiscentni imunohemijski "sendvič" test, dok je njihova funkcionalna aktivnost određena pomoću ćelijskog biološkog testa (bioeseja) za određivanje stimulatornih TSH-R-Ab (TSAb). Rezultati: U poređenju sa dva imunohemijska testa vezivanja (ECLIA P<0,001, "sendvič test" P=0,003), TSAb bioesej se pokazao najosetljivijim u pogledu pozitivne detekcije TSH-RAb kod TAO pacijenata. Nikakva razlika nije detektovana (P=0,057) između ECLIA i "sendvič" testa u pogledu stope osetljivosti. TSAb bioesej je bio pozitivan kod svih pacijenata sa aktivnom i/ili umerenom do teškom TAO (redom 100% i 100%), dok su stope pozitivnosti za sendvič i ECLIA imunohemijski test bile 89,7% i 82,1% za aktivnu TAO, i 90,2% i 86,3% za tešku TAO, redom. Negativne prediktivne vrednosti bioeseja, "sendvič" i ECLIA testova bile su redom 100%, 75% i 71%, za aktivnu TAO, odnosno 100%, 86% i 71%, redom za umerenu do tešku TAO. Superiornost biološke analize bila je najistaknutija kod eutiroidnog oblika (ET) TAO. Stope pozitivnosti TSAb bioeseja, "sendvič" i ECLIA testova vezivanja bile su redom 89,6%, 75% i 64,6%, za neaktivnu TAO; 86,1%, 69,4% i 52,8% za blagu TAO; 87,5%, 62,5% i 12,5% za eutiroidni TAO. "Sendvič" imunohemijski test je bio u boljoj korelaciji sa ECLIA testom kompetitivnog vezivanja (r=0,893, P<0,001), u poređenju sa bioesejom (r=0,669, P<0,001). Zaključak: Kod pacijenata sa TAO različite aktivnosti i težine TSAb bioesej pokazuje superiorne kliničke performanse u poređenju sa obe vrste imunohemijskih testova vezivanja (ECLIA i "sendvič test")

Czy stosowanie dużych dawek metyloprednizolonu w dożylnych pulsach u chorych z orbitopatią Gravesa jest bezpieczne?

High dose intravenous glucocorticoid pulse (i.v. GCS) therapy is a proven approach in patients with active, moderate to severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) and dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). In moderate to severe GO, the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) recommends a 12-week course of intravenous methylprednisolone (i.v. MP) pulse therapy with a cumulative dose of 4.5 g. The response rate of i.v. GCS treatment is significantly higher than oral glucocorticoid (oral GCS) therapy and is associated with fewer adverse events. However, a major concern was raised because of reports of fatal side effects which may be associated with this therapy, especially when single and cumulative doses of methylprednisolone (MP) are higher than recommended. The prevalence and severity of adverse effects during treatment have not been fully described. The aim of this review was to summarise the frequency of major adverse effects of i.v. GCS compared to oral GCS and attempt to propose some practical suggestions as to how to monitor and prevent the development of side effects. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (5): 402–413)Leczenie aktywnej, umiarkowanej do ciężkiej orbitopatii Graves’a (GO, Graves’ orbitopathy) i neuropatii nerwów wzrokowych w przebiegu GO (DON, dysthyroid optic neuropathy) z zastosowaniem dużych dawek glikokortykosteroidów w postaci dożylnych pulsów (i.v. GCS, intravenous glucocorticoid pulse) jest sprawdzonym i skutecznym postępowaniem. Międzynarodowa grupa robocza the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) zaleca leczenie pacjentów z aktywną, umiarkowaną do ciężkiej GO dożylnymi pulsami metyloprednizolonu (i.v. MP, intravenous methylprednisolone) w dwunastu cotygodniowych pulsach w łącznej dawce 4,5 g. Leczenie i.v. GCS jest skuteczniejsze i związane z mniejszą częstością występowania działań niepożądanych w porównaniu z zastosowaniem doustnych glikokortykosteroidów (oral GCS, oral glucocorticoid). Opublikowane przypadki poważnych, w tym śmiertelnych powikłań leczenia i.v. GCS nakazują zachowanie ostrożności w czasie stosowania powyższego leczenia, szczególnie jeśli pojedyncze oraz skumulowana dawka metyloprednizolonu (MP) przekraczają rekomendowane przez EUGOGO. Częstość występowania poszczególnych działań niepożądanych i.v. GCS, w tym tych najpoważniejszych, nie została dotychczas dokładnie opisana. Celem opracowania jest podsumowanie częstości występowania poważnych działań niepożądanych i.v. GCS w porównaniu do oral GCS oraz próba zaproponowania praktycznych zaleceń dotyczących kwalifikacji, monitorowania w trakcie leczenia oraz prewencji wystąpienia działań niepożądanych wyżej wymienionego leczenia. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (5): 402–413

The 2021 European group on graves’ orbitopathy (EUGOGO) clinical practice guidelines for the medical management of graves’ orbitopathy

Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is the main extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease (GD). Choice of treatment should be based on the assessment of clinical activity and severity of GO. Early referral to specialized centers is fundamental for most patients with GO. Risk factors include smoking, thyroid dysfunction, high serum level of thyrotropin receptor antibodies, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, and hypercholesterolemia. In mild and active GO, control of risk factors, local treatments, and selenium (selenium-deficient areas) are usually sufficient; if RAI treatment is selected to manage GD, low-dose oral prednisone prophylaxis is needed, especially if risk factors coexist. For both active moderate-to-severe and sight-threatening GO, antithyroid drugs are preferred when managing Graves’ hyperthyroidism. In moderate-to-severe and active GO i.v. glucocorticoids are more effective and better tolerated than oral glucocorticoids. Based on current evidence and efficacy/safety profile, costs and reimbursement, drug availability, long-term effectiveness, and patient choice after extensive counseling, a combination of i.v. methylprednisolone and mycophenolate sodium is recommended as first-line treatment. A cumulative dose of 4.5 g of i.v. methylprednisolone in 12 weekly infusions is the optimal regimen. Alternatively, higher cumulative doses not exceeding 8 g can be used as monotherapy in most severe cases and constant/inconstant diplopia. Second-line treatments for moderate-to-severe and active GO include (a) the second course of i.v. methylprednisolone (7.5 g) subsequent to careful ophthalmic and biochemical evaluation, (b) oral prednisone/prednisolone combined with either cyclosporine or azathioprine; (c) orbital radiotherapy combined with oral or i.v. glucocorticoids, (d) teprotumumab; (e) rituximab and (f) tocilizumab. Sight-threatening GO is treated with several high single doses of i.v. methylprednisolone per week and, if unresponsive, with urgent orbital decompression. Rehabilitative surgery (orbital decompression, squint, and eyelid surgery) is indicated for inactive residual GO manifestations

Teprotumumab for Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

BACKGROUND: Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, a condition commonly associated with Graves' disease, remains inadequately treated. Current medical therapies, which primarily consist of glucocorticoids, have limited efficacy and present safety concerns. Inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) is a new therapeutic strategy to attenuate the underlying autoimmune pathogenesis of ophthalmopathy. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of teprotumumab, a human monoclonal antibody inhibitor of IGF-IR, in patients with active, moderate-to-severe ophthalmopathy. A total of 88 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo or active drug administered intravenously once every 3 weeks for a total of eight infusions. The primary end point was the response in the study eye. This response was defined as a reduction of 2 points or more in the Clinical Activity Score (scores range from 0 to 7, with a score of ≥3 indicating active thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy) and a reduction of 2 mm or more in proptosis at week 24. Secondary end points, measured as continuous variables, included proptosis, the Clinical Activity Score, and results on the Graves' ophthalmopathy-specific quality-of-life questionnaire. Adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat population, 29 of 42 patients who received teprotumumab (69%), as compared with 9 of 45 patients who received placebo (20%), had a response at week 24 (P&lt;0.001). Therapeutic effects were rapid; at week 6, a total of 18 of 42 patients in the teprotumumab group (43%) and 2 of 45 patients in the placebo group (4%) had a response (P&lt;0.001). Differences between the groups increased at subsequent time points. The only drug-related adverse event was hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes; this event was controlled by adjusting medication for diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with active ophthalmopathy, teprotumumab was more effective than placebo in reducing proptosis and the Clinical Activity Score. (Funded by River Vision Development and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01868997 .)

Presentation of Graves' orbitopathy within European Group On Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) centres from 2012 to 2019 (PREGO III)

Background: Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is subject to epidemiological and care-related changes. Aim of the survey was to identify trends in presentation of GO to the European Group On Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) tertiary referral centres and initial management over time. Methods: Prospective observational multicentre study. All new referrals with diagnosis of GO within September-December 2019 were included. Clinical and demographic characteristics, referral timelines and initial therapeutic decisions were recorded. Data were compared with a similar EUGOGO survey performed in 2012. Results: Besides age (mean age: 50.5±13 years vs 47.7±14 years; p 0.007), demographic characteristics of 432 patients studied in 2019 were similar to those in 2012. In 2019, there was a decrease of severe cases (9.8% vs 14.9; p&lt;0.001), but no significant change in proportion of active cases (41.3% vs 36.6%; p 0.217). After first diagnosis of GO, median referral time to an EUGOGO tertiary centre was shorter (2 (0-350) vs 6 (0-552) months; p&lt;0.001) in 2019. At the time of first visit, more patients were already on antithyroid medications (80.2% vs 45.0%; p&lt;0.001) or selenium (22.3% vs 3.0%; p&lt;0.001). In 2019, the initial management plans for GO were similar to 2012, except for lid surgery (2.4% vs 13.9%; p&lt;0.001) and prescription of selenium (28.5% vs 21.0%; p 0.027). Conclusion: GO patients are referred to tertiary EUGOGO centres in a less severe stage of the disease than before. We speculate that this might be linked to a broader awareness of the disease and faster and adequate delivered treatment

Antigen-specific immunotherapy with thyrotropin receptor peptides in Grave's Hyperthyroidism: a Phase I study

Graves' disease is one of the most common autoimmune conditions, but treatment remains imperfect. This study explores the first-in-human use of antigen-specific immunotherapy with a combination of two thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) peptides (termed ATX-GD-59) in Graves' hyperthyroidism.This article is freely available via Open Access. Click on the Publisher's URL to access the full-text via the publisher's site.Publishe