GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASE.

The thyroid gland is a major regulator of cellular metabolism and influences numerous physiological processes including growth and development, thermogenesis, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, heart rate, reproduction, and cognitive function1. The thyroid gland secretes the thyroid hormones, T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), that impact almost every cell and organ in the body. Due to these widespread effects, thyroid dysfunction is associated with various non-specific symptoms, which often leads to a delayed or misdiagnosis of thyroid disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]