Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme required for thyroid hormone synthesis, can be destructive and lead to autoimmune thyroid disease. Notable elevations in these enzymes are seen with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis as well as Graves' disease though levels can fluctuate throughout the course of these disorders.
Nutrient sufficiency is crucial to thyroid function and integrity. For example, an insufficiency of selenium or iodine is associated with increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease. The selenium content of food can vary greatly depending on the soil on which it was grown. The iodine content of food can also vary by region and intake varies greatly. Both an insufficiency and an excess of iodine can contribute to autoimmune thyroid disease.
Elevated TPO antibodies may also be seen with thyroid cancer, lymphocytic thyroiditis, nodular goiter, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia, post-partum thyroiditis, and breast cancer.
A low level of TPO antibodies suggests the absence of active autoimmune thyroid disease.
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