Analysis of serum trace elements, macro-minerals, antioxidants, malondialdehyde and immunoglobulins in seborrheic dermatitis patients: A case-control investigation

Abstract Background There are many theories abound; the exact mechanism for the pathophysiology of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) remains unknown. Neuropsychiatric disorders, stress, weakened or irregular immune responses, fungal infections, etc. are thought to be associated with the development of SD. The present study aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements (TEs), macro-minerals (MMs), antioxidant vitamins, malondialdehyde (MDA), and immunoglobulins in SD patients to explore their role in the disease progression. Methods This prospective case-control study recruited 75 SD patients and 76 healthy controls (HCs) matched by age and gender. Serum TEs and MMs were analyzed by the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. RP-HPLC was used to determine the serum levels of vitamin A and E. Serum MDA levels were measured by UV spectrophotometry as a marker of lipid peroxidation, whereas the turbidimetric method was used to quantify the serum levels of immunoglobulins. Results We found significantly higher concentrations of serum copper, manganese, and iron, calcium, and magnesium in SD patients compared to HCs. Serum levels of vitamin E significantly decreased and serum levels of MDA significantly increased in SD patients. Besides, the lower concentrations of immunoglobulin A, G, and M were observed in SD patients when compared to HCs. The present study also found a positive correlation between serum Zn and Ca levels ( r = 0.365, p = 0.009) in SD patients; whereas a negative relation was detected between serum Cu and Ca levels ( r = -0.298, p = 0.035). Conclusions The present study suggests that increased levels of TEs, MMs, MDA, and decreased levels of immunoglobulins and vitamin E are strongly associated with the pathophysiology of SD. Moreover, these alterations may provide a predictive tool for the assessment and management of SD patients.