BDNF Serum Level is a Potential Biomarker for Depression in Patients With Rosacea

The serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potential biomarker for identifying depression in patients with rosacea, according to a recent study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

Researchers aimed to demonstrate the potential association between BDNF and depression in patients with rosacea. They compared patients with rosacea, those with rosacea and depression, and healthy control individuals to determine whether the serum BDNF level is a biomarker for identifying depression in patients with rosacea. Comparison and correlation analysis of data obtained during a clinical evaluation (Dermatology Life Quality Index, rosacea severity scores, and Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]) and serum BDNF level detection were performed.

Clinical evaluation scores were higher but the serum BDNF levels were lower in the group of patients with rosacea and depression compared with the rosacea group. The serum BDNF levels were lower in patients with rosacea and rosacea with depression, compared with healthy control individuals. Serum BDNF levels and BDI-II were negatively correlated in the rosacea with depression group. Decreased serum BDNF levels were associated with increased BDI-II, and the receiver operating characteristic curve confirmed diagnostic accuracy.

“Our study data suggested and enriched the evidence [that] BDNF contribute[s] to the pathogenesis of rosacea. [The] serum BDNF level is a potential biomarker for identifying depression in patients with rosacea,” concluded the study authors.

Reference
Wang T, Liu F, Jia X, et al. Serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) associated with depression in patients with rosacea: a candidate predictive biomarker. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Published online: June 2, 2022. doi:10.2147/CCID.S367545