Association of Interlukine-27 and Interlukine-37 serum levels with Autoimmune Thyroiditis in a sample of Iraqi patients

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are caused by environmental factors that alter self-tolerance in genetically susceptible individuals.Inappropriate cytokine expression appears to play a role in the genesis of multiple diseases, including autoimmune thyroid disorders. Aim: To evaluate the role of cytokines IL-27 and IL-37 in autoimmune thyroiditis. Methods: Fifty patients with Graves' disease and fifty patients with Hashimoto's thyroditis, both newly diagnosed, were enrolled in this study, along with fifty apparently healthy individuals to serve as a control group. Patients were gathered between November 2020 and December 2021 by the Endocrinology and diabetes consultant at Al-Imamain Al-Kadhymain Medical City in Baghdad and the Specialized Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Thi-Qar health directorate. In the current investigation, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used. Result: Serum levels of IL-37 and  IL-27 were statistically significantly different between Graves disease patients and controls (p=<0.001). while only IL- 37 was significantly different between Hashimoto's disease patients and controls p=0.005. Conclusion: Patients with Graves disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis have elevated IL-37 serum levels, but only Graves disease has an elevated IL-27 level, implying that these cytokines may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis.