COVID-19 News: Italian Researchers Warn That SARS-CoV-2 Can Cause Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases (AITD)!

COVID-19 News: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has taken the world by storm, affecting millions of lives in countless ways. As the scientific community continues to delve into the complexities of this novel coronavirus, new discoveries are being made about its impact on various bodily systems, including the endocrine system.


Thyroid disorders associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Recent research from the University of Pisa-Italy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana-Italy, University of Messina-Italy, University Hospital Policlinico “G. Martino-Italy, University of Naples Federico II-Italy, and the National Research Council-Italy has raised concerns about the virus's potential to induce autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). In this COVID-19 News report, we explore the intriguing relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and thyroid disorders, shedding light on the potential mechanisms behind this connection.
 
The Virus's Entry into Cells
To understand the association between SARS-CoV-2 and autoimmune thyroid diseases, we must first explore how the virus enters human cells. The virus utilizes the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor as its gateway into cells. This receptor is found in various tissues throughout the body, including endocrine organs like the ovaries, testes, pancreas, and thyroid. This widespread presence of ACE2 receptors in the endocrine system exposes these vital glands to potential SARS-CoV-2 infection, with potentially far-reaching consequences.
 
Thyroid Dysfunction and SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Research has shown that SARS-CoV-2 can directly affect the thyroid gland. Autopsy reports have revealed the presence of viral genetic material and proteins within thyroid follicular cells. This finding suggests that the virus can infect and replicate within thyroid cells, potentially leading to thyroid disorders. Several thyroid-related issues have been reported in COVID-19 patients, including subacute thyroiditis (SAT), thyrotoxicosis, and non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). These conditions are believed to be linked, at least in part, to the local replication of the virus within thyroid gland cells.
 
Acute Effects
During the acute phase of COVID-19, patients have exhibited various thyroid-related abnormalities. SAT has been observed in some patients, characterized by thyroid inflammation. Thyrotoxicosis, marked by an overactive thyroid gland, has also been detected, particularly in those with high levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Conversely, some patients with COVID-19 have shown hypothyroidism, indicating an underactive thyroid. Additionally, a significant portion of COVID-19 patients exhibited normal thyroid function during their illness.
 
Post-Acute Effects
Fortunately, thyroid function tends to return to baseline in most patients after they recover from COVID-19. Studies have reported that thyroid hormone levels normalize within 3 to 6 months following the acute phase of the illness. However , some COVID-19 survivors experience lingering symptoms, known as "Long COVID," which share similarities with thyroid dysfunction, such as fatigue, mood disturbances, and muscle pain. This underscores the importance of continued thyroid function assessments in post-COVID patients.
 
Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can hyperstimulate the immune system, leading to the production of autoantibodies and the onset or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases (AID). Among these autoimmune diseases, autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) have drawn attention, including Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD). AITD represents organ-specific autoimmune conditions mediated by T helper (Th)1 lymphocytes, and their development is influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
 
Potential Pathogenetic Mechanisms
Several potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain how SARS-CoV-2 might induce or exacerbate AITD:
 
-Hyper-Stimulation of the Immune System: COVID-19 is known to trigger a hyperactive immune response, characterized by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6. This cytokine storm can lead to inflammation and damage to various organs, including the thyroid.
 
-Molecular Mimicry: Similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins may lead to the immune system mistakenly targeting self-antigens. This can result in tissue damage and the development of autoimmune diseases.
 
-Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs): Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, can release NETs that contain DNA and proteins. Excessive NET production has been linked to autoimmune conditions. COVID-19 can induce NET formation, potentially contributing to autoimmunity.
 
-Transcriptional Changes in Immune Genes: Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 can cause transcriptional changes in immune genes, leading to increased activity of pathways associated with autoimmune diseases. These changes may contribute to the development of thyroid autoimmunity.
 
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and autoimmune thyroid diseases is a complex and evolving field of study. While the virus can impact thyroid function during the acute phase of COVID-19, most patients recover their thyroid function over time. However, there is growing evidence that COVID-19 may trigger or exacerbate autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, through mechanisms such as immune system hyper-stimulation, molecular mimicry, neutrophil extracellular traps, and transcriptional changes in immune genes.
 
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to recognize the potential long-term health consequences, including autoimmune thyroid diseases. Further research, including large-scale, long-term cohort studies, is needed to fully understand the pathogenetic relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and AITD. This knowledge will be crucial in developing strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of autoimmune thyroid diseases in COVID-19 patients and beyond.
 
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed Journal of Clinical Medicine.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/19/6365
 
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