Vitiligo is an acquired, multifactorial disorder of the skin and mucous
membranes. The etiology of vitiligo is unknown; however, various possible pathogenic
mechanisms, such as autoimmune, genetic, neural, biochemical, self-destructive, and viral,
have been suggested. The levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid are decreased in vitiligo; these
cofactors are required in the metabolism of homocysteine.
To determine serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels in patients
with vitiligo.
It was a cross sectional comparative study, was carried out in the
Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
(BSMMU), Dhaka patients with clinically diagnosed vitiligo attending in the Dermatology
& Venereology outpatient department was included in this study. Data was process and
analyses using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software version 23. The chi
square test and student “t” test was used to analyze the significance level of p < 0.05.
The mean age 35.76(±11.79)) years in case group and 35.57(±11.56) years in control
group (p>0.05) that was not statistically significant. The mean serum homocysteine levels in
vitiligo patients (15.41±7.3 mol/L) were significantly higher than that of controls (11.78±4.83
ìmol/L) (P = 0.03). The mean serum folate levels in vitiligo patients (4.43±2.87 ng/mL) were
significantly lower than that of controls (6.67±2.74 ng/ml) (P=0.001). The mean serum
vitamin B12 levels in vitiligo patients (152.56±71.59 pg/mL) were significantly lower as
compared to controls (295.82±69.63 pg/mL) (P < 0.001).
The mean serum homocysteine level, in vitiligo patients were significantly
increase comparison in controls, Serum folic acid (ng/ml) and serum vitamin B12 (pg/ml)
were significantly decreased in vitiligo patient’s comparison to controls.
Homocysteine Vitamine B 12, Folic Acid, Vitiligo