Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, association with psychological symptoms in females with acne vulgaris

Objectives This study aimed to assess serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in female patients with acne vulgaris and to assess the relationship of this biomarker to the degree of psychological symptoms developed in these patients. Background Acne vulgaris is a benign self-limited condition. However, patients usually endure anxiety, depression, poor body image, frustration, anger, diminished confidence and self-esteem, social isolation, and restriction of activities because it commonly affects the face during a sociosexually critical age, causing a considerable cosmetic concern with adverse social and psychological consequences on the quality of life. Patients and methods Serum BDNF levels were measured in 60 female patients with acne vulgaris divided into three groups according to the severity and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients filled a Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire; both patients and controls filled a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS) questionnaires. Results Serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in acne patients when compared with healthy controls and those levels were lowest in the severe group. HADS and PSS scores of the patients were significantly higher than those in the control group. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between serum BDNF levels and scores. Conclusion Serum BDNF levels decreased significantly in acne vulgaris, indicating the role it may play in the development of psychological symptoms, which make patients with acne more liable to anxiety, depression, and stress.