Actualités en endocrinologie thyroïdienne

These last years, significant changes have occurred in thyroid endocrinology, as a consequence of the generalized use of molecular biology techniques. New genes have been identified, which are involved in congenital hypothyroidism, in the development of thyroid cancer, and in the action of thyroid hormones. Clinical consequences remain sometimes speculative, but in some cases such as in the management of thyroid cancer, therapeutic strategies already evolve. Whereas some retinoic acid derivatives can cause central hypothyroidism, others are used to re-differentiate those thyroid cancers which have lost the ability to concentrate iodide. New syndromes have been described and their molecular cause elucidated. Consumption hypothyroidism is due to the ectopic expression of deiodinase type 3, a severe mental retardation related to the chromosome X which is due to abnormal transport of T3. Several syndrome associations including congenital hypothyroidism have been identified, as well as the Pendred syndrome. Finally, new molecules such as the agonists of thyroid hormone receptors that have been studied in the animal should demonstrate beneficial effects in the management of obesity and dyslipemias.