title: The genetics of euthyroid familial goiter.
abstract: In endemic goiters, thyroidal enlargement reflects an increase in cell proliferation triggered by low dietary iodine. However, not all individuals in the same iodine-deficient regions develop a goiter, and iodine supplementation does not prevent goiter development in all treated subjects. Familial clustering of goiters, usually with an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance, has repeatedly been reported. Moreover, other environmental and etiological factors are likely to be involved in the development of euthyroid goiter. Therefore, a multifactorial etiology based on complex interactions of an individual's genetic makeup and environment is likely. Family and twin studies suggest a considerable influence by a strong genetic component in euthyroid familial goiter.
authors.affiliation: III. Medical Department, University of Leipzig, Ph.-Rosenthal-Str. 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Böttcher
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eszlinger
authors.forename: Anke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tönjes
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Paschke
mesh_terms: D005192:Family Health; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D006042:Goiter / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation