Abstract

ROJAS, Joselyn et al. La otra cara de Janus y la enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune. Rev. Venez. Endocrinol. Metab. [online]. 2011, vol.9, n.3, pp.89-98. ISSN 1690-3110.

Autoimmune thyroid disease is one of the most common diseases inside the field of endocrinology. This group of diseases affect the thyroid function in a manner that is now considered like a spectrum, where on one side there is evidence of hypofunction and a predominating Th1 response (Hashimoto´s thyroiditis), and on the opposite side, hyperfunction and a predominating Th2 response (Graves´ disease). Even though both diseases share loci for genetic predisposition, the outcome of each of them is totally opposite. Several theories have been proposed to explain the differences in the autoimmune patterns, but haven’t been able to explain the ample phenotypical manifestations of the disease. Current evidence suggests that a recently describe cellular group is in charge of controlling the effector elements of the immune response, limiting tissue damage and enhancing self-tolerance, these are the T regulator cells (Treg), which play a principal role in the development of autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this review is to expose the dysregulation of the regulatory side of the immune system expressed as the alteration of the functioning of Treg, which are now believed to be fundamental in the many phenotypes of autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Keywords : autoinmune thyroid disease; T regulator cell; Graves´ disease; Hashimoto´s thyroiditis.