SERUM VITAMIN B12, FOLATE, AND HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS IN VITILIGO PATIENTS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN KURDISTAN POPULATION

Volume 12 , Issue 3 , September 2022 , Pages 271-279

Authors

Mahdi Khaleel Fattah 1 ; Mohammad Y. Saeed 2

1 KBMS Trainee of Dermatology, Sulaimani Dermatology teaching Center. Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

2 College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

DOI logo 10.17656/jsmc.10369

Keywords

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder that significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life. Its precise
etiology is yet unknown, but it appears to be complex. Many studies have been conducted in the last decade
to determine the role of hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin B12, and folate deficiency in the etiology of vitiligo.
Studying part of the aforementioned conditions may give insight into vitiligo pathogenesis.
Objectives
To assess the contribution of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate in the pathogenesis of vitiligo by measuring
homocysteine (Hcy), B12, and folate levels in the sera of patients and controls. as well as to see if there are a
link between them and the degree of severity and duration of the vitiligo.
Patients and Methods
In the current study, 50 vitiligo patients of both sexes and 50 age and sex-matched healthy persons were
recruited for six months at the Sulaimani center for skin disease treatment. Serum B12 & folate were measured
using electrochemiluminescence (ECL), while serum Hcy level was measured by colorimetric technique.
Results
The mean serum levels of Hcy, B12, and folate in the healthy controls did not differ significantly from those
in the patient group. (13.75 ±2.32 vs. 14.31±6.14 μmol/l; P > 0.05), (324.01±131.93 vs 311.57±110.55 pg/ml; P >
0.05), and (8.82±3.09 vs. 8.70±3.20 ng/ml P > 0.05) respectively.
Furthermore, no link was discovered between the serum levels of these parameters and the clinical types, the
activity of the disease, and the duration of vitiligo.
Conclusion
The findings don’t support the theory that homocysteine, B12, and folate are contributing factors in vitiligo
etiology. Thus, screening the importance of the above mentioned factors cannot be recommended.

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  • Published at21 September 2022

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