STATE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND MICROELEMENT METABOLISM IN CHILDREN WITH AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS

Abstract

This article presents information about a study conducted to examine the interaction between the immune system and micronutrient concentrations in children with autoimmune thyroiditis. The main group comprised 83 children diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis, while the control group consisted of 15 healthy children. In both affected and healthy children, the functional state of the thyroid gland (blood serum TSH, hormones freeT3, freeT4, anti-TPO and anti-TG) was assessed, and immune parameters, including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations, were determined. Blood serum selenium levels were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy, while copper and zinc levels were determined colorimetrically, and iron levels were assessed spectrophotometrically. Urinary iodine concentration was measured using a highly sensitive and selective photometric method. The study revealed that IL-1 concentrations in patients' blood serum increased by 2 times, IL-6 concentrations by 3.6 times, and TNF-α concentrations by 3 times compared to the control group. Among trace elements, a statistically significant decrease in blood serum selenium concentration was observed compared to the control group. The results demonstrated statistically significant correlations between blood serum selenium concentration and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.