Immune-Molecular Link Between Thyroid and Skin Autoimmune Diseases: A Narrative Review

September 2024 in “ Journal of Clinical Medicine ”

Palma Carlucci, Federico Spataro, Mattia Cristallo, Mario Di Gioacchino, Eustachio Nettis, Sebastiano Gangemi

This narrative review explores the immune-molecular connections between autoimmune thyroid diseases and various autoimmune skin disorders, such as Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, Vitiligo, Atopic Dermatitis, and Alopecia Areata. It highlights shared genetic markers and immunological mechanisms, including disrupted immune tolerance and oxidative stress, which lead to chronic inflammation. Genetic factors like IL-23 receptor gene variants and CTLA-4 mutations are linked to increased susceptibility to these conditions. The review suggests that similar antigens in skin cells and thyrocytes may explain the concurrent impact on both tissues. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approaches, with future research needed to elucidate specific immunological pathways and discover new biomarkers.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Hair Follicle Immune Privilege and Its Collapse in Alopecia Areata

134 citations , July 2020 in “Experimental dermatology”

Hair follicles are normally protected from the immune system, but when this protection fails, it can cause hair loss in alopecia areata.

research Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Alopecia Areata

3 citations , June 2020 in “Cureus”

A woman's hair loss led to discovering she had lupus.

research Frontiers in Alopecia Areata Pathobiology Research

55 citations , October 2019 in “The journal of allergy and clinical immunology/Journal of allergy and clinical immunology/The journal of allergy and clinical immunology”

The review suggests that other immune cells besides CD8+ T cells may contribute to alopecia areata and that targeting regulatory cell defects could improve treatment.

Integrative Analysis of Rare Copy Number Variants and Gene Expression Data in Alopecia Areata Implicates an Etiological Role for Autophagy

research Integrative Analysis of Rare Copy Number Variants and Gene Expression Data in Alopecia Areata Implicates an Etiological Role for Autophagy

20 citations , June 2019 in “Experimental Dermatology”

The research suggests that autophagy-related genes might play a role in causing alopecia areata.

research Scalp Bacterial Shift in Alopecia Areata

48 citations , April 2019 in “PloS one”

Alopecia areata patients have more Propionibacterium acnes and less Staphylococcus epidermidis on their scalps.

research Alopecia Areata: A Review of Disease Pathogenesis

191 citations , May 2018 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata is likely an autoimmune disease with unclear triggers, involving various immune cells and molecules, and currently has no cure.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Insights from January 2018

290 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, influenced by genetics, stress, and diet, and may be prevented by a high soy oil diet.

research Familial Aggregation of Alopecia Areata

295 citations , May 2016 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata, a common autoimmune hair loss condition, often runs in families.

research Investigation of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Alopecia Areata and Its Relationship with Disease Severity, Duration, Recurrence, and Pattern

35 citations , December 2014 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology”

Oxidative stress may play a role in causing alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disease Causing Hair Loss

421 citations , April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Treatment Options

151 citations , February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.

research Profile of Alopecia Areata: A Questionnaire Analysis of Patients and Families

161 citations , March 1992 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata often starts before age 20, is more common in women, and may have a genetic link with other autoimmune diseases.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 291 results

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

nkrata in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community I lost the fight against MPB at age 22 despite being on treatments.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 72 upvotes 2 years ago

The user "ajsr8" shared their story of hair loss despite being on treatments. They started using finasteride in 2019 and later tried topical minoxidil, but it didn't seem to work. They also experienced side effects from other treatments. They are considering cutting off their hair and stopping the medications if there is no improvement in three months. Other users suggested trying different treatments and getting a blood test to check for underlying conditions.

community C’est terrible - at my wits end

in Female 450 upvotes 2 years ago

A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

community Losing a ton consistently after 8 months dut please help me I don’t know what to do anymore, nothing works

in Chat 76 upvotes 1 year ago

A 20-year-old is experiencing hair loss despite using dutasteride and oral minoxidil. Suggestions include consulting a specialist, considering RU58841, and checking for other conditions and vitamin deficiencies.

community I’m 14 years old and I’m losing more hair than my dad. I’ve gone to the doctor 2 times because of this and I’ve received no help. I’m starting to feel like It’s worthless and my hairs gonna look like this forever. I don’t know how anyone could help me but it’s always worth a shot.

in Treatment 5 years ago

A 14 year old who is experiencing hair loss and has not received any help from the doctor, with advice being given to try different doctors, get tested for underlying conditions and intolerances, buzz it short as an option and treatments that could slow down or reverse the hair loss such as minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and addressing the cause of the hair loss.

community To anyone that is still not seeing results on the big 3…

in Treatment 102 upvotes 3 years ago

User redh0t12 suggests using a derma pen for hair regrowth, as it helped them after using finasteride and minoxidil. Others discuss their experiences with various treatments, including derma rolling, oral and topical minoxidil, and finasteride, with mixed results.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Unmet Medical Needs in Chronic, Non-Communicable Inflammatory Skin Diseases

59 citations , June 2022 in “Frontiers in medicine”

There are still challenges in diagnosing and treating chronic skin diseases, but there is hope for future improvements.

research Thyroid-Related Skin Manifestations and Their Association With Autoimmune Dermatology

April 2025 in “International Journal of Research in Dermatology”

Thyroid disorders are linked to skin issues and autoimmune skin diseases.

research Skin Manifestations of Endocrine Diseases

4 citations , January 2015 in “Türk Patoloji Dergisi”

Hormone imbalances from endocrine diseases can cause various skin conditions that help diagnose and treat these diseases early.

research Cutaneous and Mucosal Manifestations Associated with Celiac Disease

57 citations , June 2018 in “Nutrients”

Celiac disease can cause skin problems that may get better with a gluten-free diet.

research Overview of Common, Rare, and Atypical Manifestations of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Histopathological Correlates

157 citations , August 2010 in “Lupus”

The document concludes that recognizing and treating cutaneous lupus erythematosus early is crucial for managing the skin and potential systemic symptoms.