Secukinumab, an interleukin-17 A (IL-17 A) inhibitor, is an approved treatment for psoriasis, but effects on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis are unknown.
Methods
In a 16-week randomized controlled trial, 105 patients with psoriasis received secukinumab at either 300 or 75 mg. Plasma levels of IL-17 A, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone and perceived stress using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were measured at baseline and every four weeks. Treatment response was assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).
Results
Both dosage groups showed significant increases in IL-17 A and cortisol, with no differences between groups. Cortisol increased by approximately 33 %, indicating activation of HPA axis. Changes in cortisol did not correlate with PASI. PSS-10 inversely correlated with cortisol at baseline, and shifted positive during follow-up.
Conclusion
Secukinumab treatment in psoriasis is accompanied by HPA axis activation. Further studies are needed to determine the duration, mechanisms, and magnitude of this activation.
