Genetic defects of hydrogen peroxide generation in the thyroid gland

J Endocrinol Invest. 2013 Apr;36(4):261-6. doi: 10.3275/8847. Epub 2013 Feb 12.

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a key element in thyroid hormone biosynthesis. It is the substrate used by thyroid peroxidase for oxidation and incorporation of iodine into thyroglobulin, a process known as organification. The main enzymes composing the H2O2-generating system are the dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) and the recently described DUOX maturation factor 2 (DUOXA2). Defects in these reactions lead to reduced thyroid hormone synthesis and hypothyroidism, with consequent increased TSH secretion and goiter. Since the first report in 2002 of DUOX2 mutations causing congenital hypothryoidism (CH), to date 25 different mutations have been described. Affected patients show a positive perchlorate discharge test and high phenotypic variability, ranging from transient to permanent forms of CH. Up to now, only two cases of CH due to DUOXA2 defects have been published. They also suggest the existence of a great genotype-phenotype variability. The phenotypic expression is probably influenced by genetic background and environmental factors. DUOX and DUOXA constitute a redundant system in which DUOX1/DUOXA1 can at least partially replace the function of DUOX2/DUOXA2. Furthermore, increased nutritional iodide could ensure a better use of H2O2 provided by DUOX1.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism / etiology
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism / genetics*
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism / metabolism
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Dual Oxidases
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / complications
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Metabolic Diseases / complications
  • Metabolic Diseases / genetics*
  • Metabolic Diseases / metabolism
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / genetics
  • NADPH Oxidases / genetics
  • NADPH Oxidases / physiology
  • Thyroid Gland / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Gland / physiology
  • Thyroid Hormones / biosynthesis

Substances

  • DUOXA2 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Dual Oxidases
  • NADPH Oxidases
  • DUOX2 protein, human