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15-05-2024 | Type 1 Diabetes | Review Article

The interlink between thyroid autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes and the impact on male and female fertility

Authors: Sanja Medenica, Vukasin Stojanovic, Umberto Capece, Rossella Mazzilli, Milica Markovic, Virginia Zamponi, Tanja Vojinovic, Silvia Migliaccio, Giuseppe Defeudis, Francesca Cinti

Published in: Hormones

Abstract

The aim of this review is to discuss the several interconnections between thyroid autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes in terms of epidemiology, immunoserology, genetic predisposition, and pathogenic mechanisms. We will also analyze the impact of these conditions on both male and female fertility. A literature search was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Clinical Trials Registry databases with a combination of keywords. It was found that the prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) varied in different countries and ethnic groups from 7 to 35% in both sexes. There are several types of autoantibodies responsible for the immunoserological presentation of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) which can be either stimulating or inhibiting, which results in AITD being in the plus phase (thyrotoxicosis) or the minus phase (hypothyroidism). Different types of immune cells such as T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, antigen presenting cells (APCs), and other innate immune cells participate in the damage of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans, which inevitably leads to T1D. Multiple genetic and environmental factors found in variable combinations are involved in the pathogenesis of AITD and T1D. In conclusion, although it is now well-known that both diabetes and thyroid diseases can affect fertility, only a few data are available on possible effects of autoimmune conditions. Recent findings nevertheless point to the importance of screening patients with immunologic infertility for AITDs and T1D, and vice versa.

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Title: The interlink between thyroid autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes and the impact on male and female fertility
Authors: Sanja Medenica
Vukasin Stojanovic
Umberto Capece
Rossella Mazzilli
Milica Markovic
Virginia Zamponi
Tanja Vojinovic
Silvia Migliaccio
Giuseppe Defeudis
Francesca Cinti
Publication date: 15-05-2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Type 1 Diabetes
Fertility
Hypothyroidism
Published in: Hormones
Print ISSN: 1109-3099
Electronic ISSN: 2520-8721
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42000-024-00563-w

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