Correlation between Serum Homocysteine and Vitiligo Area Scoring Index

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by depigmentation due to melanocyte destruction.
• The exact pathogenesis of vitiligo remains unclear, prompting research into potential biomarkers.
• Elevated homocysteine levels have been previously suggested as a potential factor in vitiligo.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between serum homocysteine levels and the severity of vitiligo.
• To assess homocysteine as a potential biomarker for vitiligo severity using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 30 vitiligo patients and 30 controls.
• Diagnosis of vitiligo confirmed by clinical and Wood's lamp examinations.
• Measurement of serum homocysteine levels and calculation of VASI scores for patients.

Main Results:

• No significant correlation was found between serum homocysteine levels and VASI score (p=0.133).
• Serum homocysteine levels did not correlate with family history or duration of vitiligo.
• No significant difference in serum homocysteine levels was observed between vitiligo patients and controls (p=0.905).
• A significant correlation was identified between serum homocysteine levels and gender (p=0.001) and age (p=0.036) in vitiligo patients.

Conclusions:

• Serum homocysteine is not a reliable biomarker for vitiligo severity, family history, or disease duration.
• Homocysteine levels do not differ significantly between vitiligo patients and healthy individuals.
• Serum homocysteine levels in vitiligo patients are associated with demographic factors like gender and age.