Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb)

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) are immune proteins that mistakenly target an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase, which is essential for producing thyroid hormones. Elevated TPOAb levels often indicate an autoimmune thyroid condition, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. These antibodies are useful markers for diagnosing autoimmune thyroid disorders and assessing disease activity. While they can be present without symptoms, their presence suggests an immune response against the thyroid, potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction over time.