Background: Thyroid nodules are epidemic in certain countries. Advancements in imaging technology and increased healthcare screening have led to a notable rise in their detection. This surge in detection has also sparked a renewed focus on understanding their pathophysiology. Limited research exists regarding involvement of proinflammatory cytokines in thyroid disorders. We studied the presence of these proinflammatory cytokines in preoperative serum samples from the tissue of interest (colloid) retrieved during surgery, and postoperative serum samples.
Materials and methods: We performed a prospective study including patients having solitary thyroid nodule (colloid goiter) undergoing surgery. A total of 3 mL each of preoperative serum sample, aspirated colloid from thyroid specimen, and postoperative serum sample 4 weeks after surgery were collected. The quantification of supernatant cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and TGF-β) was done by ELISA. Standard protocols for ELISA were followed, and all assays were performed in duplicate to ensure accuracy.
Results: The study included 40 patients with a median age of 32.5 years (27-48.5 years). The majority of our participants were female, reflecting the higher prevalence of thyroid nodules in women. On analyzing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, significant differences were seen between the preoperative serum sample, colloid sample, and postoperative serum sample. Colloid had considerably higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and TGF-β) when compared to both pre- and postoperative serum samples (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Markedly elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines seen in colloid obtained during surgery compared to both the pre- and postoperative serum samples suggest that the inflammatory milieu of thyroid tissue is different to that of the systemic circulation. These findings provide a foundation for further research into the inflammatory mechanisms.
Research registry registration: No: 8638 dated January 22, 2023.
© 2025 International Society of Surgery/Société Internationale de Chirurgie (ISS/SIC).