Level of reactive oxygen species production in peripheral blood monocytes in patients with Graves’ disease after radioiodine therapy

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune diseases such as Graves’ disease are complex pathologies that often require intensive and long-term treatment. However, the mechanisms contributing to the development and maintenance of this pathology are still not fully understood. Understanding the role of the innate immune response, especially in the context of monocytes, in the development of Graves’ disease remains a poorly understood aspect.

AIM: To study the level of ROS production in monocytes in patients with Graves’ disease after RAI to identify the level of activation of the macrophage-monocyte system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hormonal status and monocyte activity were analyzed before and 1, 3 and 6 months after RAI. The level of ROS was determined using spontaneous and luminol- and luceginin-derived chemiluminescence.

RESULTS: The study included 48 patients with Graves’ disease, aged from 18 to 65 years. In patients with Graves’ disease, a decrease in the intensity of free radical processes in monocytes was detected compared to the control group. These changes were observed both before and after RAI. It has been shown that changes in ROS production are independent of thyroid function and antibody levels. The changes indicate the potential immunosuppressive effects of radionuclide treatment and its effect on monocyte NADPH oxidase activity. A decrease in the production of secondary ROS in monocytes was also noted, which may indicate a decrease in the activation of monocytes during antigenic stimulation and inhibition of autoimmune processes.

CONCLUSION: Reduced metabolic activity of monocytes and low levels of ROS synthesis correlate with inhibition of the autoimmune process and decreased activation of the macrophage-monocyte system. The study confirms the importance of the role of monocytes in the ROS production system and their influence on the autoimmune process in Graves’ disease. These results may have clinical significance and contribute to the development of new immunotropic strategies for the treatment of this disease.

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