Abstract
Objective: To determine the serum levels of melanin,
α-MSH, and to find their association and correlation in
patients with Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA).
Methodology: This study included 80 subjects; 40
OCA patients and 40 healthy controls. ELISA was
performed to determine the serum concentrations of
melanin and α-MSH.
Results: Serum melanin level of6.0 ng/dL was
significantly reduced and serum levels of α-MSH of
9.8 ng/dL was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in
patients as compared to healthy controls who had 14
and 3.48, respectively.
Conclusion: Serum melanin levels were found low
with a compensatory rise in α-MSH levels in OCA
patients as compared to controls.
Keywords: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA),
Melanin, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, αMSH.
