He HY, et al. - Researchers examined how brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; a protein that contributes to the survival, growth, maintenance of neurons, and plays a part in the pathophysiology of depression) is linked to depressive symptoms in young adults with acne vulgaris. They conducted this analytical cross-sectional study measuring the serum BDNF levels in peripheral blood samples of 20 consecutive acne vulgaris patients with depression, 98 consecutive acne vulgaris patients without depression, and 59 in a healthy control group by using ELISA. Compared to healthy control, acne vulgaris patients showed lower BDNF expression. In addition, acne vulgaris patients with depression vs acne vulgaris patients without depression and healthy controls, showed lower serum BDNF levels. As per findings, young Chinese adults with acne vulgaris show negative correlation of serum BDNF levels with depressive symptoms. Between healthy controls and acne vulgaris patients without depressive symptoms, there was no difference in serum BDNF levels.