Investigation of Biomarkers for Melasma: Baghdad’s Women, a Case Study Baghdad

Abstract Background: Melasma is a dermatological condition characterized by the appearance of skin discoloration, particularly on the face. Glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) levels are a vital nonenzymatic antioxidant naturally produced in the body and intricately involved with the process of inhibition in melanogenesis. Objective: Investigate serum GSHPx levels with the severity of melasma disease in different stages as a biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted from March to October 2023, and research was performed on (120 women) with an age between (20 and 50) years women, 60 patients with melasma, and 60 controls after consent from each participant. Blood samples were collected from each individual, and sera were separated through centrifugation. An Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to measure GSHPx levels in serum with severity. Results: There was a significant decrease in sera GSHPx levels in women (18.15 ± 0.81 ng/mL) compared to control (43.28 ± 1.04 ng/mL) utilizing an independent t test. A one-way ANOVA test also indicated a substantial drop in sera GSHPx MASI score levels for mild, moderate, and severe were 23.07 ± 0.77, 15.12 ± 0.64, and 11.62 ± 1.28 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusions: There was a strong correlation between GSHPx and the progression of stages. This research indicates GSHPx’s efficacy as a key biomarker for dermatologists, enhancing the evaluation and treatment of mild-to-moderate facial conditions by treating the severity caused by GSHPx insufficiency. This investigation carries significant implications for dermatology and the development of therapies.