title: Molecular pathogenesis of euthyroid and toxic multinodular goiter.
abstract: The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the etiology of euthyroid and toxic multinodular goiter (MNG) with respect to the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and molecular pathology. In reconstructing the line of events from early thyroid hyperplasia to MNG we will argue the predominant neoplastic character of nodular structures, the nature of known somatic mutations, and the importance of mutagenesis. Furthermore, we outline direct and indirect consequences of these somatic mutations for thyroid pathophysiology and summarize information concerning a possible genetic background of euthyroid goiter. Finally, we discuss uncertainties and open questions in differential diagnosis and therapy of euthyroid and toxic MNG.
authors.affiliation: Universität Leipzig, Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, Ph.-Rosenthal-Strasse 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Knut
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krohn
authors.forename: Dagmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Führer
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bayer
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eszlinger
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brauer
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Paschke
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D006044:Goiter, Nodular / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D007454:Iodides / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation; D040081:Protein Array Analysis; D011989:Receptors, Thyrotropin / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D007454:Iodides; D011989:Receptors, Thyrotropin