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 ”

Dalia Abdel Halim, Ola M. Abu Zeid, Laila Rashed, Marwah Adly Saleh

alopecia areata oral pulse steroids tumor necrosis factor alpha TNF-α prednisolone serum levels tissue levels AA TNF-alpha

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.

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Research cited in this study

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research Lymphocytes, Neuropeptides, And Genes Involved In Alopecia Areata

286 citations, August 2007 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where T cells attack hair follicles.

research A Comparison of the Efficacy, Relapse Rate, and Side Effects Among Three Modalities of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy for Alopecia Areata

97 citations, January 2006 in “Dermatology”

imTA and pulse therapy are effective for alopecia areata with manageable side effects, but relapse rates need improvement.

research Recurrence of Alopecia Areata in a Patient Receiving Etanercept Injections

75 citations, June 2005 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Etanercept may not prevent alopecia areata from coming back.

research Role of Cytotoxic T Cells in Chronic Alopecia Areata

127 citations, January 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Cytotoxic T cells cause hair loss in chronic alopecia areata.

research Treatment of Widespread Alopecia Areata in Young Patients with Monthly Oral Corticosteroid Pulse

18 citations, July 1998 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

Monthly oral corticosteroid pulses effectively treat widespread alopecia areata in young patients.

research Treatment of Widespread Alopecia Areata in Young Patients with Monthly Oral Corticosteroid Pulse

48 citations, July 1998 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

Monthly oral corticosteroid pulses effectively treat widespread alopecia areata in young patients.

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Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 862 upvotes 3 months ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community This guy loses all transplanted hair?!

in Transplants 160 upvotes 10 months ago

A man lost his transplanted hair despite using minoxidil because he wasn't on a DHT blocker like finasteride, which is essential to prevent further hair loss. The conversation emphasizes that hair transplants are not a cure and require maintenance with medications to preserve results.

community 10 months CB and Oral Minoxidil

in Progress Pictures 112 upvotes 10 months ago

A person with Alopecia Areata on their beard is using CB-03-01 and oral minoxidil for treatment. Some users question the effectiveness of CB-03-01 for beard hair, suggesting that minoxidil alone may be responsible for any observed hair growth.

community Rare Non responder to Finasteride, Dutasteride, and oral minoxidil

in Minoxidil 78 upvotes 11 months ago

A user did not respond to finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil for hair loss after four years of treatment and is considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Other users suggest the hair loss pattern may indicate alopecia areata and recommend seeing a dermatologist.

community May have been mis-diagnosed for 10 years, self-investigation into AGA + AA Incognita (Defused Shedding)

in Treatment 1 upvotes 5 months ago

A 27-year-old male with AGA and diffused thinning has been using oral Minoxidil, Finasteride, Vitamin D, B12, Iron, and Ketoconazole shampoo. Despite a hair transplant and improved blood levels, he continues to experience hair loss and suspects a possible misdiagnosis of Alopecia Areata Incognita.

community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

in Will treatment work for me? 2 years ago

In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

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research Serum Zinc Concentration in Patients With Alopecia Areata

October 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica (Print)”

People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.