Investigating the Roles of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Vitamin D, and Insulin Resistance in Vitiligo Patients

Background: Vitiligo is a skin condition where skin loses its color, presenting as macules which are smooth white patches. It is considered to affect 1% of the world’s population and is associated with various factors such as autoimmunity, oxidative stress, and some mosquito psychological comorbities. Reduced levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vitamin D in addition to insulin resistance have also been impart in this disorder. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the degree of involvement of BDNF, insulin, and vitamin D on the causation and course of vitiligo. Methods: A case control study was where 90 subjects were enrolled; 45 diagnosed with vitiligo and 45 were healthy control subjects from the dermatology clinic. Serum level of BDNF, insulin, vitamin D, and other metabolic markers were taken for evaluation through Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. The activity and severity of the disease were evaluated using VIDA and VASI scores in that order. The parameters were then compared through statistical analysis (t-test and Pearson correlation) while the diagnostic accuracy of BDNF was evaluated with the ROC curve analysis. Results: With respect to mean serum level findings, BDNF and vitamin D were significantly lower in the vitiligo patients compared to the controls (p<0.05). Conversely, insulin, fasting blood glucose FBG, and HOMA-IR levels in the patient group were significantly increased (p<0.05). The diagnostic potential of BDNF was poor with AUC=40%. Furthermore, there were significant relationships discovered between the serum levels and duration as well as severity and activity scores of the disease. Conclusion: In reference to the above investigation, the three potential targets may be insulin resistance, BDNF, and deficient Vitamin D. These may be factors in the explanation of the pathophysiology of vitiligo. These biomarkers may be useful for strategizing therapy, disease management, and the psychological disease that accompanies vitiligo.