Serological Evidence of Thyroid Autoimmunity among Schoolchildren in Two Different Socioeconomic Environments

Abstract

The prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity is lower in Russian Karelia than in Finland. This difference was not related to ethnic background or HLA-DQ alleles. The results support the idea that the Russian Karelian environment, which is characterized by inferior prosperity and standard of hygiene, may provide protection against thyroid autoimmunity.