Thyrotropin receptor gene expression in the association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
BACKGROUND
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) may be associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases, and the Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST) is an autoreactivity marker. The thyrotropin (TSH) and TSH receptor (TSHR) could play a role in the pathogenesis of CSU. The aim of this study was to evaluate ASST positivity and TSHR gene expression in healthy skin and ASST wheals in euthyroid women with CSU, with (14 patients) and without (15 patients) Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).


METHODS
ASST was performed and TSHR gene expression studied in wheals induced by ASST and in healthy skin.


RESULTS
ASST presented greater positivity (86% × 40%) and larger diameter (10.8 × 9.6 mm) in the HT group (P < 0.05). TSHR gene expression was higher in the ASST area and healthy skin of HT group (P < 0.01). Positive correlation of antibodies levels with ASST wheal measurements and TSHR gene expression was seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with CSU and HT presented greater positivity and larger measurements for ASST and higher TSHR expression in the skin, suggesting association between CSU, thyroid autoimmunity, and TSHR.
Department of Dermatology and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University - Unesp, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Maria R C
MR
Silvares
Department of Dermatology and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University - Unesp, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Maria R P
MR
Fortes
Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University - Unesp, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Renata de A M L
RA
Nascimento
Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Bioscience, Sao Paulo State University - Unesp, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Carlos R
CR
Padovani
Department of Dermatology and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University - Unesp, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Hélio A
HA
Miot
Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University - Unesp, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Célia R
CR
Nogueira
Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University - Unesp, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Gláucia M F da S
GM
Mazeto
D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D050031:Hashimoto Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007453:Iodide Peroxidase / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D011989:Receptors, Thyrotropin / Q000235:genetics*; D044967:Serum / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D014581:Urticaria / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D001323:Autoantibodies; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011989:Receptors, Thyrotropin; C006606:anti-thyroglobulin; D013972:Thyrotropin; D007453:Iodide Peroxidase