Alteration of Serum and Tissue Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Levels: A Possible Mechanism of Action of Oral Pulse Steroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
October 2018
in “
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
”
TLDR Oral pulse steroids reduce TNF-α levels, improving alopecia areata.
The study investigated the effect of oral pulse steroids on TNF-α levels in 20 patients with alopecia areata (AA). Results showed that both serum and tissue TNF-α levels were significantly higher in AA patients compared to controls before and after treatment. However, TNF-α levels significantly dropped after treatment, correlating positively with clinical improvement. The findings suggested that TNF-α played a crucial role in AA and that altering its levels could be a key mechanism by which oral pulse steroids treat AA.