[The alpha chemokine "Interferon gamma-induced protein 10" (IP-10) in Graves' disease and Graves'ophthalmopathy]

Clin Ter. 2014;165(3):e230-6. doi: 10.7417/CT.2014.1726.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Interferon(IFN)γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10) and its receptor, CXC receptor 3, appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD) and Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Under the influence of IFN-γ, IP-10 is secreted by thyrocytes (in GD), fibroblasts and preadipocytes (in GO). Determination of high level of IP-10 in peripheral liquids is therefore a marker of a Th1 orientated immune response. Circulating IP-10 is associated with the active phase of GD in both newly diagnosed and relapsing hyperthyroid patients. Methimazole reduces IP-10 secretion by isolated thyrocytes, decreases serum IP-10 levels, and promotes a transition from Th1 to Th2 dominance in patients with GD active phase. In GD patients the decrease of IP-10 after thyroidectomy and radioiodine strongly suggests that this chemokine is mainly produced by the thyroid itself. In GO patients the increased concentrations of IP-10, at least in part, reflect the activity of orbital inflammation. A significant reductions in IP-10 serum concentrations during corticosteroids and or radiotherapy treatments, as compared both to control group and to basal values in GO patients, suggest that this chemokine could serve as a guideline in therapeutic decision-making in patients with GO. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether IP-10 is a novel therapeutic target in GD and GO.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Chemokine CXCL10 / blood
  • Chemokine CXCL10 / metabolism*
  • Graves Disease / metabolism*
  • Graves Disease / surgery
  • Graves Ophthalmopathy / drug therapy
  • Graves Ophthalmopathy / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / therapeutic use
  • Methimazole / pharmacology
  • Thyroidectomy

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • CXCL10 protein, human
  • Chemokine CXCL10
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Methimazole