The Relationship Between Melasma and Thyroid Dysfunction—Analyzing Anti-thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Profiles: An Immuno-dermatological Perspective

Noor-Aldeen Jamal Hasan Al-Ansare; Tin Htay Khine

doi:10.54133/ajms.v9i2.2558

Authors

Noor-Aldeen Jamal Hasan Al-Ansare Faculty of Medicine, Lincoln University College, Selangor, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3715-8082
Tin Htay Khine Faculty of Medicine, Lincoln University College, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v9i2.2558

Keywords:

Autoimmunity, Anti-TPO Antibodies, Melasma severity, mMASI, Thyroid autoantibodies

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune mechanisms have been increasingly implicated in pigmentary disorders such as melasma. Thyroid autoimmunity, reflected by anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, can influence melanogenesis and disease severity. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between melasma severity and anti-TPO antibody levels. Methods: Fifty people with melasma took part in this case-control study and had their mMASI score and serum anti-TPO antibody levels evaluated. Age-matched controls (n=50) were included for comparison. Results: The mean anti-TPO level is significantly higher in melasma cases compared to controls (24.9±7.3 vs. 19.5±7.9; p=0.001). Within the melasma group, anti-TPO levels show a strong positive correlation with mMASI (r= 0.4, p=0.001), and age (r= 0.3, p=0.001). Melasma severity was higher in older age groups (p= 0.001). Conclusions: Anti-TPO antibodies are elevated in melasma and correlate with disease severity, supporting a potential autoimmune contribution to melasma pathogenesis.

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