Exploring the Correlation Between Tyrosinase Enzyme Levels and the Severity of Melasma in Women: A Case-Control Study in Baghdad

Abstract

Background:    Melasma is a skin condition that disrupts the skin on the face. Tyrosinase enzyme (TYR) increase and decrease the antioxidants naturally produced in the body, leading to melasma. TYR is a key enzyme in melanogenesis. Tyrosinase\'s various mechanisms are enhanced by genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors.
Objective:    To investigate the relationship between serum TYR enzyme levels and the severity of melasma as a biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. 
Methods:    A case-control study was executed during the term of March to October 2023. The study included 60 patients with melasma and 60 control participants, all female, ranging in age from 20 to 50 years. All participants were examined using Wood\'s light.  Blood samples were collected from each individual, and sera were used after separation to measure TYR by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method levels in different stages of melasma severity.
Results:    Increased concentration TYR with different stages of severity (7.36±0.19 U/ml) compared to the control (3.89±0.08 U/ml) utilizing an independent t-test. Additionally, the serum TYR levels significantly increased as the severity of melasma increased. Furthermore, the one-way ANOVA test indicated substantial serum TYR level and melasma area and severity index (MASI) scores for mild, moderate, and severe were 6.19±0.1 U/mL, 7.69±0.07 U/mL, and 9.38±0.31 U/mL, respectively. These results strongly suggest that TYR plays a crucial role in the formation and progression of melasma.
Conclusion:    The result of this study refers to a significant correlation between the level of TYR and the degree of melasma. 
Keywords:    Melasma, Tyrosinase enzyme, melanogenesis, MASI score, ELISA
Citation:    Muhsen SA, Alwasiti EA, Farhood IG. Exploring the correlation between tyrosinase enzyme levels and the severity of melasma in women: A case-control study in Baghdad. Iraqi JMS. 2025; 23(2): 200-206. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.23.2.2