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.
286 citations
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August 2007 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where T cells attack hair follicles.
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January 2006 in “Dermatology” imTA and pulse therapy are effective for alopecia areata with manageable side effects, but relapse rates need improvement.
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July 1998 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Monthly oral corticosteroid pulses effectively treat widespread alopecia areata in young patients.
48 citations
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July 1998 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Monthly oral corticosteroid pulses effectively treat widespread alopecia areata in young patients.
October 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica (Print)” People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.
