Plasma level of beta endorphin in seborrheic dermatitis patients

Introduction and aim. Defects in the epidermal barrier, changes in sebum secretion and its composition, Malassezia spp. overgrowth, endocrine, immune, and neurological disorders are the main pathogenesis items of seborrheic dermatitis (SD). “The opioid system of the skin” was considered a new target in the diagnosis and treatment of SD. The study aimed to determine beta-endorphin (BE) levels in adult patients with seborrheic dermatitis and correlate them with the severity of symptoms and itching. Material and methods. 26 healthy and 62 SD people were examined. SEDASI scale were used to estimate the severity of symptoms and intensity of itching. The determination of the beta-endorphin level was carried out by the ELISA method with the test system Human BE NBP2 (78774 Novus Biologicals). Results. BE in the SD group was higher compared to the control group (35.5 pg/mL, 22. pg/mL, p<0.001). The level of BE in seborrheic patients did not depend on age and sex but was rising with severity of symptoms. Positive correlations were found between the level of BE and the SEDASI was 0.42 (p<.001), between the level of BE and itching was 0.332 (p=0.009). Conclusion. SD patients have an increased level of BE that positively correlates with itching and disease severity.