On December 1, 2010, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the identification of a new drug-like compound that prevents overproduction of thyroid hormone. This is good news for those suffering from Graves' disease. The findings were posted online on December 1 and will be published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
In Graves' disease, antibodies bind to TSH receptors and stimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much thryoid hormone. The NIH researchers have identified a chemical compound that binds to the TSH receptors and inhibits the thyroid-stimulating antibodies, potentially allowing the thyroid cells to return to their normal function. "Our goal is to develop an easily produced, orally administered, safe and effective drug with few to no side effects that can be used in place of some of the more invasive treatments of hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease," said Marvin Gershengorn, M.D., senior author on the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism paper.
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck. It normally makes thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) which can affect metabolism, brain development, breathing, heart and nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight, and cholesterol levels. In Graves' disease, the thyroid gland produces too much thryoid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1% of the U.S. population. Women are 5 to 10 times more likely than men to have Graves' disease. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine also warns that, "if a woman has a thyroid problem, she needs to know that her risk [of heart disease] is increased."
The newly discovered compound may also have the benefit of helping with eye problems caused by Graves' disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy). Graves' opthalmoopathy occurs in over 25% of people with hyperthyroidism. These eye problems include painful swelling in the eye sockets, double vision, tears or itchy eyes, and protruding eyes with swollen eyelids. The swelling in the eyes is thought to be caused by the same overstimulation of receptors caused by the same thyroid-stimulating antibodies as in the thyroid. Thus, the new compound may have the added benefit of treating the eye problems.
Treatments are available for hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease. They include surgery, radioactive iodine, and anti-thyroid drugs. However, the relapse rates for these treatments are 5% (surgery), 21% (radioactive iodine) and 40% (anti-thyroid drugs) and each has some damaging side effects.
It is important to note that this new compound has not been tested in animals or people yet. Many more steps of testing are needed before it can be used in human clinical trials.
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