Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Vitamin D: Two Concordant Players Controlling Depression Among Alopecia Areata and Vitiligo Patients: A Case-Control Study

March 2023 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Noha Mohammed Dawoud, Afaf Z Rajab, Sally M. El‐Hefnawy, A. M. El‐Bayoumy, AwnyG Salem, Iman Seleit

alopecia areata vitiligo brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF vitamin D depression quality of life vitamin D deficiency

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autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

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Studysummary In this study, alopecia areata and vitiligo patients had significantly lower serum BDNF and vitamin D levels, which were inversely associated with depression and quality of life, suggesting a potential combined role in the development of depression.

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This case-control study examined 30 patients with alopecia areata (AA), 30 with vitiligo, and 30 healthy controls, focusing on serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vitamin D, and their correlation with depression and quality of life. The study found that both BDNF and vitamin D levels were significantly lower in AA and vitiligo patients, correlating with higher depression severity and lower quality of life. Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in 86.6% of AA and 90% of vitiligo patients. Lower levels of these markers were associated with more severe disease and higher depression scores, suggesting their role in the pathophysiology of these conditions and potential therapeutic benefits of vitamin D supplementation.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Trichoscopic Findings and Quality-of-Life Assessment in Egyptian Patients with Noncicatricial Alopecia

January 2020 in “Journal of Current Medical Research and Practice”

In this study, trichoscopy was found to be helpful in diagnosing the types of noncicatricial alopecia, and alopecia's negative impact on quality of life was highlighted through the correlation with clinical severity.

research Serum Vitamin D Levels and Alopecia Areata: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study from North India

20 citations , January 2019 in “International journal of trichology”

This study found that patients with alopecia areata had significantly lower Vitamin D levels compared to controls, with a negative correlation between Vitamin D levels and disease severity.

research An Investigation of Vitamin D Status in Alopecia Areata

37 citations , June 2018 in “Clinical and Experimental Medicine”

This study found that patients with alopecia areata had significant systemic inflammation and vitamin D deficiency, with both conditions more pronounced as disease severity increased.

research Evaluation of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor to Assess the Association Between Psoriasis and Depression

2 citations , September 2015 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)”

People with psoriasis and depression have lower BDNF levels, which could help measure depression in those with psoriasis.

research Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D3 Level in Egyptian Patients with Alopecia Areata

14 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society /Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society”

research Vitamin D Concentrations Are Decreased in Patients with Alopecia Areata

54 citations , January 2012 in “Vitamins & Trace Elements”

This study found significantly lower serum vitamin D concentrations in patients with alopecia areata compared to healthy controls, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for this autoimmune hair loss disease.