Issue 8/2022
N. Stoyanova, V. Mitkova-Hristova, N. Sivkova, FEBO
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv
University Eye Clinic, University Hospital „St. Georgi ”- Plovdiv
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the soft tissues of the orbit, extraocular muscles, eyeballs, and ocular adnexa associated with thyroid autoimmune pathology. In pathogenesis, what is essential is a cell and humoral mediated autoimmune process against orbital antigens, leading to lymphocyte infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, adipogenesis, and accumulation of glucosaminoglycans in the soft tissues of the orbit. The pathogenesis of thyroid eye disease is complex and incompletely understood. Current evidence supports a central role of the orbital fibroblasts (OFs) in the pathogenesis of TAO. As a result of the direct action of T-helpers and various cytokines, OFs are activated, proliferate and release large amounts of glucosaminoglycans. The mechanism underlying this activation likely involves the autoantigens TSHR and IGF-1R and the autoantibodies, as well as an interaction with immune cells and proinflammatory cytokines.
Address for correspondence:
N. Stoyanova, V. Mitkova-Hristova, N. Sivkova FEBO
University Eye Clinic, University Hospital
„St. Georgi ”- Plovdiv
66, Peshtersko shose, Blvd.
4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria