MON-625 - Inflammatory And Metabolic Markers In Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Preliminary Analysis Of Biomarkers

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that disproportionately affects people of color and is frequently comorbid with metabolic and endocrine disorders, including insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). HS and PCOS share overlapping pathophysiologic mechanisms such as hormonal dysregulation, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and depression, all of which contribute to reduced quality of life. Tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF-α) plays a central role in inflammatory and metabolic signaling; however, its variation across demographic subgroups in HS remains incompletely characterized.

Objective: To evaluate demographic differences in serum TNF-α levels among patients with HS and explore implications for inflammatory and metabolic heterogeneity relevant to endocrine comorbidities.

Methods: Serum samples were collected from 56 patients with HS across all Hurley stages and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). TNF-α, leptin, and insulin were measured following manufacturer protocols. TNF-α levels were examined by race, sex, and age group. Analyses were descriptive given small subgroup sizes.

Results: Serum TNF-α levels demonstrated substantial variability across demographic groups. By race, Hispanic patients exhibited the highest mean TNF-α levels (n=3; 0.0408 pg/mL), followed by White (n=8; 0.0332 pg/mL) and Black patients (n=40; 0.0322 pg/mL). Females (n=42) had slightly higher TNF-α levels than males (n=10). Stratified analyses revealed particularly elevated TNF-α levels among Hispanic and Black females and among White males, though interpretation was limited by small subgroup sizes. TNF-α levels were highest in patients aged 30–49 years and lowest in those aged ≥50 years, suggesting a potential age-related decline in inflammatory activity.

Conclusion: TNF-α levels in HS patients vary across race, sex, and age, reflecting heterogeneity in inflammatory burden with potential relevance to metabolic and endocrine comorbidities such as PCOS and insulin resistance. These findings underscore the need for larger studies integrating hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory markers to better understand shared pathophysiology and inform personalized management strategies for HS patients with overlapping endocrine disorders.

Funding/Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) award #1R01DK126892-01A1 to Dr. Stanley Andrisse and by the Howard University College of Medicine and Department of Dermatology.

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