Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with vitiligo and their potential roles as disease activity biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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#biomarkers #case-control-studies #folic-acid #homocysteine #humans

Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with vitiligo and their potential roles as disease activity biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Tsai et al., 2019 | J Am Acad Dermatol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Tsai Tsung-Yu, Kuo Che-Yuan, Huang Yu-Chen. Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with vitiligo and their potential roles as disease activity biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019-Mar;80(3):646-654.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.08.029

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia and folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been reported in patients with vitiligo. Investigating the role of these conditions might shed light on the pathogenesis of vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in vitiligo patients. METHODS: Online databases were searched on May 15, 2018, to identify studies comparing serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels between patients with vitiligo and controls. A random effects model was used. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies involving a total of 1448 patients with vitiligo were included. Patients with vitiligo had significantly higher serum homocysteine levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.550, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.262-0.838; I2 87.3%) and lower vitamin B12 levels (SMD -0.430, 95% CI -0.738 to -0.121; I2 85.3%) than controls. Serum folate levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (SMD -0.240, 95% CI -0.592 to 0.111; I2 85.5%). A subgroup analysis revealed that these findings correlated with disease activity. LIMITATIONS: The included studies were heterogeneous. Serum homocysteine levels could be influenced by various factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with vitiligo have higher serum homocysteine levels and lower vitamin B12 levels than individuals without vitiligo.

Key Findings

Twenty-two studies involving a total of 1448 patients with vitiligo were included. Patients with vitiligo had significantly higher serum homocysteine levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.550, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.262-0.838; I2 87.3%) and lower vitamin B12 levels (SMD -0.430, 95% CI -0.738 to -0.121; I2 85.3%) than controls. Serum folate levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (SMD -0.240, 95% CI -0.592 to 0.111; I2 85.5%). A subgroup analysis revealed that

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population vitiligo
Sample Size 1448
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Folic Acid
  • Homocysteine
  • Humans
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Vitiligo

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09