Reduced Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients with First Onset Vitiligo

December 2014 in “ Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment ”

Mehmet Emin Yanik, Gamze Erfan, Yakup Albayrak, Murat Aydin, Mustafa Kulaç, Murat Kuloglu

brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF vitiligo

TLDR People with first-time vitiligo have lower levels of a certain brain protein compared to healthy individuals.

In the 2014 study, researchers found that serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were significantly lower in 57 patients with first onset vitiligo (1.57±0.97 ng/dL) compared to 58 age and sex-matched healthy subjects (2.37±1.73 ng/dL). The study suggested that the reduced BDNF levels might be related to the etiology of vitiligo or a biological predisposition to psychiatric disorders in the vitiligo patient population. This was the first study to compare serum BDNF levels between these two groups, indicating the need for further research to confirm these preliminary findings.

View this study on dovepress.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Vitiligo: A Comprehensive Overview

532 citations, August 2011 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Vitiligo is a skin condition causing white spots, more common in women, often starts before age 20, and can affect mental health.

research Brain-Derived Nerve Factor and Neurotrophins in Androgenetic Alopecia

10 citations, July 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Lower growth factors linked to balding in androgenetic alopecia.

research Epithelial Growth Control by Neurotrophins: Leads and Lessons from the Hair Follicle

99 citations, January 2004 in “Progress in brain research”

Neurotrophins are important for hair growth and could help treat hair loss.

Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

research Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

194 citations, March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology”

Stress stops hair growth in mice by causing early hair growth phase end and harmful inflammation through a specific nerve-related pathway.

Indications for a Brain-Hair Follicle Axis: Inhibition of Keratinocyte Proliferation and Up-Regulation of Keratinocyte Apoptosis in Telogen Hair Follicles by Stress and Substance P

research Indications for a Brain-Hair Follicle Axis: Inhibition of Keratinocyte Proliferation and Up-Regulation of Keratinocyte Apoptosis in Telogen Hair Follicles by Stress and Substance P

125 citations, September 2001 in “The FASEB Journal”

Stress can cause hair loss by negatively affecting hair follicles and this effect might be reversed with specific treatments.

research Neural Mechanisms of Hair Growth Control

101 citations, January 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Nerves and chemicals in the body can affect hair growth and loss.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Levels of BDNF and CRH in Vitiligo Patients

July 2022 in “PLOS ONE”

Certain gene variations and different levels of BDNF and CRH hormones are linked to vitiligo.

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 Stress-Related Skin Disorders

67 citations, July 2016 in “Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders”

Stress can worsen skin conditions by affecting hormone levels and immune response.

Psychological Stress Impact on Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia and Correlation With Disease Progression

research Psychological Stress Impact on Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia and Correlation With Disease Progression

October 2024 in “World Journal of Psychiatry”

Stress worsens hair loss in androgenetic alopecia.

Alemtuzumab-Induced Secondary Autoimmune Skin Disorders as Side Effects of Multiple Sclerosis Therapy: Problem That Can Be Influenced or Fate? A Narrative Overview of the Literature and a Neuroprotective Role of Vitamin D

research Alemtuzumab-Induced Secondary Autoimmune Skin Disorders as Side Effects of Multiple Sclerosis Therapy: Problem That Can Be Influenced or Fate? A Narrative Overview of the Literature and a Neuroprotective Role of Vitamin D

January 2022 in “Medical research archives”

Taking vitamin D might improve life for MS patients and reduce skin side effects from alemtuzumab treatment.

Reduced Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients with First Onset Vitiligo

Research cited in this study

research Vitiligo: A Comprehensive Overview

research Brain-Derived Nerve Factor and Neurotrophins in Androgenetic Alopecia

research Epithelial Growth Control by Neurotrophins: Leads and Lessons from the Hair Follicle

research Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

research Indications for a Brain-Hair Follicle Axis: Inhibition of Keratinocyte Proliferation and Up-Regulation of Keratinocyte Apoptosis in Telogen Hair Follicles by Stress and Substance P

research Neural Mechanisms of Hair Growth Control

Related Community Posts Join

community Possible topical option for preventing BDNF-related hair loss

community People who tolerate dut better than fin?

community Scientific Review: Saw Palmetto is not effective for treating hair loss and does not inhibit DHT to the extend that most people think. Anti-Hair loss claims are invalid.

community Ultimate DHT/finasteride microdosing graph to replace the commonly one referenced on forums

community My hair after 3 steroid cycles