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

The study investigated the effect of oral pulse steroids on serum and tissue levels of TNF‐α in 20 patients with alopecia areata (AA). Results showed that both serum and tissue levels of TNF‐α were significantly higher in AA patients compared to controls before and after treatment. However, these levels dropped significantly after treatment with oral prednisolone, 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 systemic oral pulse steroids treat AA.