Serum melanin and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone levels in Pakistani individuals affected with oculocutaneous albinism

Objective: To determine the serum levels of melanin, alpha-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 alpha-MSH. Results: Serum melanin level of6.0 ng/dL was reduced and serum levels of alpha-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 alpha-MSH levels in OCA patients as compared to controls.