Endocrine Abstracts

We describe a case of subacute thyroiditis in a psoriatic patient treated with Adalimumab, with a very good clinical evolution with nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory medication.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by a variety of cells, comprehending T lymphocytes. TNF-α mediates its effects through two receptors, known as p55 (TNF-R1), and p75 (TNF-R2). TNF-α plays a primary role in both the induction and the maintenance of inflammation in autoimmune reactions: as soon as the inflammation begins, TNF-α acts to activate T-cells and macrophages, up-regulating the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Adalimumab is a TNF-alfa human monoclonal antibody blocking agent used in severe psoriasis, with an increased risk of infections. Adalimumab tightly binds to human TNF-α, which is a naturally occurring cytokine involved in the acute phase of inflammatory immune responses.

As the use of biologic drugs becomes more widespread over years,clinicians from a variety of disciplines are increasingly likely to encounter cutaneous side effects of this treatment.Liason between dermatologists and, in this case, endocrinologists, will help to determine the prevalence of these reactions and to provide insights into the very complex mecanisms of both diseases.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector