Which antibody profile is characteristic of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

• A. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
• B. Thyroid-stimulating antibodies
• C. Anti-nuclear antibodies
• D. Anti-dsDNA antibodies

Answer: (A)

Autoimmune attack on the thyroid in Hashimoto's thyroiditis centers on antibodies against thyroid components, especially thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies are the most consistently found and serve as a sensitive marker, while anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are also commonly present. This profile helps distinguish Hashimoto's from Graves disease, where thyroid-stimulating antibodies activate the TSH receptor and drive hyperthyroidism. Antibodies like anti-nuclear or anti-dsDNA are associated with systemic autoimmune diseases (such as lupus) and are not characteristic of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.