Hashimoto’s disease: what is it?

Identified as one of the most common causes ofhypothyroidismHashimoto’s disease or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is characterized by inflammation gland chronicle thyroidlinked to an increased production ofantibody autoimmune. This pathology, which occurs more commonly in women, concerns one person in 1,000.

What is the thyroid gland for?

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the stroke. Made up of follicular cells, it develops a protein precursor, thyroglobulin which couples to ions iodides to synthesize the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxin). These hormones have a role of accelerating cellular metabolic processes (protein synthesis, energy production), but also more specifically on certain tissues (bone, muscle and heartthe nervous system).

What are the mechanisms of Hashimoto’s disease?

Lymphocytic thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s disease, owes its name to a Japanese doctor who, in 1912, demonstrated infiltrates of white blood cells in the thyroid gland of patients with goiter. By targeting thyroperoxidase, enzyme involved in the iodination process, and thyroglobulin, autoimmune antibodies block the natural synthesis of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 resulting in a decrease in metabolism basal.

This pathology, which involves theimmunity cellular and humoral, affects the functioning of the thyroid by decreasing the production of hormones. A hypothyroidism sets in gradually causing the eventual appearance of a goiter accompanied by fatigue, chilliness, a decrease in heart rate andweight gain. The exact etiology of this autoantibody production is not fully understood, but an interaction between genetic and environmental factors is suspected.

Hashimoto’s disease requires lifelong treatment with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. It can be complicated, in rare cases, by encephalopathy or lymphoma thyroid.