The Role of Lactoferrin and Adenosin De Aminase Enzyme in Thyroiditis (single and multiple nodule goiters) Iraqi Pateints

Abstract

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional iron-binding protein present in several mucosal secretions as well as in secondary granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Anti-lactoferrin antibodies, which belong to anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies have been described in several immunomediated diseases.

A total of 60 nodular and multi-nodular goiter patients, their age ranged from (22-71) years, attending the Medical City\Surgery department and Dijlah Private Hospital, during the period from August 2010 -April 2011. In addition, twenty healthy (controls), matched patients for age, were also included in the study. The study was conducted for the detection of serum level of anti- lactoferrin antibodies by using immunometric enzyme immunoassay. While (ADA) enzyme activity was measured by the method of (Giusti, 1981), also Protein ratio was measured by the method of (Bradford, 1976).

Anti- lactoferrin antibodies were detected in 14 (23.33%) patients, which was significantly higher than that in normal individuals (p value 0.01) and the mean of positive cases was (4.473 ± 0.206) compared to the  negative cases which was (23.676 ± 2.137) (P value 0.001). (ADA) enzyme showed an increasing in mean value (4.56^A ± 1.27) in patients, compared to controls (1.18 ^B ± 0.49). Total protein was detecting with high values and significant difference between patients (21.99^B ± 0.33 gm/100ml) and control group (8.37^A ± 1.31 gm/100ml). Where the normal value of the total protein is (6.4–8.3) gram per deciliter (g/dL). We conclude that anti-lactoferrin antibodies could be detected in patients with thyroiditis (single and multiple nodule goiters) in addition to elevatet level of  (ADA) enzyme and often total protein in the same patients.

Keywords: Thyroiditis, Single and multiple nodule goiters, Lactoferrin, Adenosin De Aminase enzyme, protein.