Role of oxidative stress in autoimmune pathogenesis of vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo, an acquired disorder of the skin, is characterized by depigmented macules and patches. Three pathogenic mechanisms that is immunological, neural, and biochemical have been suggested. One of the newer theories in the pathogenesis of vitiligo is the role of oxidative stress. Aims: We compared the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and its cofactor zinc between cases and controls and related it to body surface area (BSA) involved and stability of the disease. Methods: Sixty vitiligo patients and 60 healthy controls were selected, and their serum SOD, MDA, and zinc levels were compared. The cases were further classified on the basis of BSA involved and stability of the disease. Serum SOD, MDA, and zinc levels were then compared within these groups. Serum SOD and MDA levels were measured using enzymatic methods, and serum zinc levels were measured using a commercially available kit. Results: It was observed that SOD and MDA levels were significantly raised in vitiligo cases than in controls. There was no statistically significant difference in serum zinc levels among the cases and controls. Moreover, the values of SOD and MDA were higher in patients with progressive disease than in patients with stable disease. Conclusions: Our observations support the theory of oxidative stress playing role in the autoimmune pathogenesis of vitiligo and SOD and MDA levels may act as biochemical markers for stability in vitiligo.