Comparison of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum level in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne vulgaris

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic and self-limiting inflammation disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, generally manifested in adolescents with polymorphic lesions, such as comedones, papules, nodules, and cyst. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of neurotrophins that can be downregulated because of stress. It is suspected that a lower BDNF level is induced inflammatory process, although its relationship with acne vulgaris has not been widely studied. This study compared BDNF serum levels in the inflammatory and non-inflammatory type of acne vulgaris.Methods: This is analytical observational research with a cross-sectional design that involved 31 acne vulgaris patients with inflammatory lesions and 31 acne vulgaris patients with non-inflammatory lesions. Each subject was interviewed and going through dermatology examinations, followed by blood sampling to assessed their BDNF serum levels through the ELISA test. The collected data were analyzed statistically using an independent T-test. P<0.05 was significant.Result: The mean BDNF serum levels in acne vulgaris patients were 32,53±6,32 ng/ml. In subjects with inflammatory-type lesions, the mean BDNF level is 27,55±3,31 ng/ml. While, in the non-inflammatory type lesions group, the mean BDNF is 37,51±4,37 ng/ml. The BDNF serum level is significantly lower in inflammatory-type subjects than in non-inflammatory type (p < 0,001).Conclusion: There was a significant difference in serum BDNF levels between the inflammatory and non-inflammatory type acne groups.