Search Results
Search for other papers by Tania Pilli in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Silvia Cantara in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Lutz Schomburg in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Valeria Cenci in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Sandro Cardinale in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Ellen C.D. Heid in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Eike C. Kühn in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Gabriele Cevenini in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Fausta Sestini in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Carla Fioravanti in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Gabriele D'Hauw in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Furio Pacini in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Background: Several studies have suggested that selenium may influence the natural history of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Recently, IFNγ-inducible chemokines (CXCL-9, -10 and -11) were shown to be elevated in AIT patients. Objective: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two doses of selenomethionine (Semet; 80 or 160 µg/day) versus placebo in euthyroid women with AIT, in terms of reduction of anti-thyroid antibodies, CXCL-9, -10 and -11 and improvement of thyroid echogenicity, over 12 months. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients, aged 21-65 years, were equally randomized into 3 groups: placebo, 80 µg/day of Semet (80-Semet) or 160 µg/day of Semet (160-Semet). Results: Anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels remained unaffected by Semet supplementation; anti-thyroglobulin antibody levels showed a significant reduction in the 160-Semet and the placebo group at 12 months. No significant change in thyroid echogenicity, thyroid volume and quality of life was observed within and between the groups. Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 2 patients of the placebo group versus 1 patient in each Semet group. Serum CXCL-9 and -10 were significantly reduced in both Semet groups at 6 and 12 months, while they remained unchanged or increased in the placebo group. CXCL-11, TNFα and IFNγ showed a transient decrease at 6 months in both Semet groups but returned nearly to the basal levels at 12 months. Conclusions: Semet supplementation had no positive effect on thyroid echogenicity or TPOAb in our patients. However, we observed a Semet-dependent downregulation of the IFNγ-inducible chemokines, especially CXCL-9 and -10, which may serve as helpful biomarkers in future selenium supplementation trials.