Genetic and epigenetic markers in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (Review)

Abdalrahman,Shwan Shorsh; Smail,Harem Othman; Shallal,Ahmed Farhan

doi:10.3892/ije.2025.24

Genetic and epigenetic markers in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (Review)

Authors:
- Shwan Shorsh Abdalrahman
- Harem Othman Smail
- Ahmed Farhan Shallal
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Affiliations: Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaneyah Governorate 46012, Iraq, Department of Biology, College of Science, Koya University, Koya, Sulaymaneyah Governorate 46017, Iraq
Published online on: January 3, 2025 https://doi.org/10.3892/ije.2025.24
Article Number: 1
Copyright : © Abdalrahman et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

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Abstract

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is clinically characterized as a commonly occurring, painless, diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland, which predominantly affects middle‑aged females. The affected patients are often euthyroid, although hypothyroidism may develop. In the beginning of 20th century, Hashimoto first described the most notable signs of autoimmune thyroiditis, describing patients exhibiting atrophy of follicular cells, lymphocytic infiltration, goiter and fibrosis. Previous research has indicated the potential involvement of specific genetic variations, both inside and outside the human leukocyte antigen system, where immune control and thyroid function are focused, in the development of hypothyroidism. It has been discovered that both DNA methylation and histone modifications are involved in the development of hypothyroidism, and that these processes can affect immunological responses or gene expression in the thyroid gland. Knowledge of the interactions between the genetic and the epigenetic components which protect hypothyroidism uncovers a complex mechanism of causes and refinements. A combination of genetic and epigenetic data can be instrumental in tailoring meshes for hypothyroidism into diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. This particular line of investigation should be further pursued to determine the applicability of markers, investigate their functions and develop treatments based on these for hypothyroidism. The present review highlights the mechanisms through which genetic and epigenetic markers provide clues that could enhance the current understanding of hypothyroidism and provide disease management strategies. This may lead to the improved care of patients with this chronic autoimmune disease.

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