Observing the Relationship of Fibroblast Growth Factor and Fibroblast in Thyroid Eye Disease

Observing the Relationship of Fibroblast Growth Factor and Fibroblast in Thyroid Eye Disease

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) affects about 50% of patients with Graves' disease (GD), and some cannot be cured by current treatments. Orbital fibroblasts involves in the pathogenesis of GO by producing glycosaminoglycans and inflammatory cytokines. Since fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) binding to FGF receptors (FGFRs) can induce proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts, investigators would like to measure the expression of FGFs and FGFRs in GO patients to see if inhibition of FGF-FGFR pathway has potential in treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed as thyroid eye disease
• suggested to accept orbital decompression

Exclusion Criteria:

• age below 20 or above 80
• pregnancy