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Thyroperoxidase (TPO)

Meaning

Thyroperoxidase (TPO) is a critical enzyme synthesized by the thyroid gland that is indispensable for the biosynthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of iodide ions and the subsequent iodination of thyroglobulin, a necessary step in hormone production. Clinically, the presence of high levels of TPO antibodies (TPOAb) in the blood is the primary serological marker for autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.