- Hashimoto thyroiditis is present in 6% of the female
population, and apparently more prevalent in WNY.
Particularly prevalent in WNY is chronic urticaria in
association with Hashimoto thyroiditis. SADRC - WNY has
initiated studies to determine whether there is a direct
relationship between Hashimoto thyroiditis and urticaria.
The nature of the inflammation in the skin and thyroid is
being evaluated. SADRC - WNY will determine whether the
same population of cells attacks the thyroid and the
skin. Simultaneously, the existence of autoimuunity
directed towards IgE and high affinity IgE receptors is
being evaluated in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients to
determine whehter they have multiple types of
autoimmunity.
- SADRC - WNY has established studies to examine whether
treatment with thyroid hormone alone is sufficient to
cure chronic urticaria in a subpopulation of patients
with Hashimoto thyroiditis.
- Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) is common in
industrialized countries, and particularly common in
Western New York. The organochloride
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is present in
detectable levels in the water and soil of Western New
York, and has been implicated in causing both
hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer in humans and
laboratory animals. We hypothesize that TCDD contributes
to the induction and/or severity of ATD in residents of
Western New York by inducing thyroid injury and altering
the number and function of various immune cells. We are
seeking funding to pursue these studies.