The Role of TPOAb in Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) is one of the most common autoimmune inflammatory disorders of the orbit. The presence of anti-thyroid antibodies is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis and clinical status of the TAO patients. Herein, we review the usefulness of TPOAb as a biomarker for TAO.

Methods

A systematic search in MEDLINE library was conducted. Results: Twenty studies were included. TPO is expressed in orbital tissues, and the polymorphism rs11675434 SNP has proven to be associated with clinically evident TAO. Studies in pediatric patients have shown a positive correlation between high TPOAb levels and TAO. In contrast, results in adults are inconsistent. Some studies imply a protective role of TPOAb, yet the majority did not find any association. Some authors have suggested an implication of TPOAb in the pathophysiology of TAO in TRAb-negative patients.

Conclusions

The role of TPOAb in TAO remains unclear and controversial.

KEYWORDS:

• Thyroid associated orbitopathy
• anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies
• TPOAb
• thyroid autoantibodies

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.