TLDR Low levels of BDNF and vitamin D are linked to higher depression in alopecia areata and vitiligo patients.
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.
January 2020 in “Journal of Current Medical Research and Practice” Hair loss in Egyptian patients without scarring was studied, and it was found to significantly affect their quality of life.
20 citations
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January 2019 in “International journal of trichology” People with Alopecia areata often have lower Vitamin D levels, which might affect the severity of their condition.
37 citations
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June 2018 in “Clinical and Experimental Medicine” People with alopecia areata often have lower vitamin D levels and more inflammation, suggesting vitamin D might be involved in the condition.
2 citations
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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.
14 citations
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January 2013 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society /Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society” 54 citations
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January 2012 in “Vitamins & Trace Elements” People with Alopecia Areata have lower vitamin D levels.
April 2024 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Alopecia areata and vitiligo share immune system dysfunction but differ in specific immune responses and affected areas.
37 citations
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June 2021 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Adult skin quickly reacts to short-term environmental and internal stress, leading to various skin issues and the need for protective measures.
Certain gene variations and different levels of BDNF and CRH hormones are linked to vitiligo.
October 2024 in “World Journal of Psychiatry” Stress worsens hair loss in androgenetic alopecia.
March 2025 in “Cosmetics” Combining treatments works best for early hair loss, while transplants are best for severe cases.
