New Therapeutic Horizon of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism: Treatment Regimens Based on Immunology and Ingredients From Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by goiter and hyperthyroidism, and 25% patients develop GO. Traditional treatment options, such as antithyroid drugs, radioiodine or thyroidectomy, have remained largely unchanged over the past 70 years. For many patients, there is a high rate of recurrence after antithyroid drugs and lifelong hypothyroidism after ablation and thyroidectomy. The symptoms and quality of life of some patients have not been effectively improved. The clinical demand for new therapeutic regimens, coupled with a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology and immunobiology of Graves’ disease, has led to the emergence of several new therapeutic ideas, including biologics, small molecule peptides, immunomodulators and teprotumumab, a specific antibody targeting IGF-1R. Besides, the elements of TCM have attracted more and more interests in modern medicine, because some effective components have been successfully used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Based on the pathophysiology and efficacy of clinical management and treatment in Graves’ hyperthyroidism, here we review the new strategies under investigation and summarize the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine used for Graves’ hyperthyroidism, and explore their mechanisms. These therapies have opened a new window for the treatment of Graves’ disease, but the exact mechanism and the research direction still need to be further explored.

Analysis of the Application Value of Ultrasound Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Technology Combined with Thyroid Autoantibodies and Hormones in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Graves’ Disease

“…A study has shown that herbal medicine is an effective alternative for the treatment of hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease, especially in patients with an allergy to thionamide [ 36 ]. When used as an adjunctive medicine, the active ingredients of herbal medicine are not only effective in relieving goitre, Graves' ophthalmopathy symptoms, and hypermetabolic symptoms but also in reducing the side effects and allergic symptoms of antithyroid drugs and in increasing the dose of ATD in allergic patients [ 37 ]. There is now a need to expand the understanding of how Chinese medicine can help in the treatment of Graves' disease.…”

Puerarin inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress in female BALB/c mouse models of Graves’ disease

“…Furthermore, it would be optimal to conduct serum selenium testing prior to commencing supplementation in order to prevent potential overdose ( 33 ). Additionally, extensive research has been conducted on the efficacy of various Chinese medicines in ameliorating symptoms and signs associated with GD, as well as expediting the treatment process ( 34 , 35 ). Such as: Diosgenin (Dio) had control effects on goiter and hyperthyroidism in GD mice through affecting thyroid cell proliferation, but not the expression of TRAB ( 36 ).…”

Icariin: A Promising Natural Product in Biomedicine and Tissue Engineering

“…ICRN (C 33 H 40 O 15 , M w = 676.67) is a type of prenylated flavonoid, showing extensive bioactivities such as antioxidant [ 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ], neuroprotective [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ], and antitumor [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ] behavior as well as anti-inflammatory responses [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ], and can be used to treat erectile dysfunction [ 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 ]. It appears it can improve the function of organs including bones and the heart [ 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ].…”