Assessment of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Level and Its Relation to Psychiatric Morbidity in Vitiligo Patients and the Effect of Vitiligo on the Quality of Life

Abstract Background Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder with depigmentation of skin patches. Vitiligo exerts a huge burden on the psychiatric health and quality of life of affected patients. Several factors contribute to the pathogenesis of psychiatric morbidity in vitiligo patients, of which neurotrophins as Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was identified. Aim of the Study The aim of the present study is to assess serum levels of BDNF and their possible relation to the effect of vitiligo on the quality of life and with psychiatric comorbidities in vitiligo cases. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional case control study was conducted and included 50 patients suffering from vitiligo and 50 apparently healthy controls. All included participants were subjected to full history taking, complete general examination and full dermatological assessment and scoring of vitiligo using VETI and VIDA scores. After that, assessment of subjects’ psychiatric condition and quality of life was performed. Estimation of serum BDNF level was done using ELISA assay. Results BDNF level revealed significantly lower levels in cases compared to controls irrespective of the disease extent or vitiligo activity. The effect of vitiligo on psychiatric health and quality of life was marked as 76% of vitiligo cases had depressive symptoms in comparison to only 42% of controls. In addition, the physical health, social relations and environmental aspects showed significantly lower scores in patients compared to controls. Conclusion BDNF serum levels were lower in vitiligo cases. These levels are not related to either the vitiligo disease characteristic or the psychological burden of vitiligo on the patients' life.