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

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.