Serum Levels of Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron and Ferritin in Libyan Patients with Vitiligo Vulgaris: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is the most common acquired pigmentary skin disorder, with an estimated worldwide incidence of 0.5-4%. Although the pathogenesis of vitiligo remains largely unknown, there are different theories explaining its pathogenesis, including; genetic, autoimmune, auto-cytotoxic, oxidative stress and neurogenic. Oxidative stress has been postulated to causes cellular disruptions that provoke an autoimmune response in genetically susceptible individuals leading to melanocytes destructions. Trace elements considered as antioxidants protecting the body against cytotoxicity of melanocytes and inhibition of tyrosinase in oxidative stress. Aim of the study: to evaluate the serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium, iron and ferritin in patients with vitiligo vulgaris and compare it with control subjects. Also to determine the association between serums trace elements levels and disease activity. Patients and Methods: This study included 50 patients with vitiligo attending the Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology Department, Eljumhoria Hospital, Benghazi, Libya, and 50 healthy age and sex-matched volunteers who had no dermatological or systemic diseases. Blood samples for serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and ferritin were obtained from patients with vitiligo vulgaris and healthy controls. Results: Serum Cu, Zn and Mg were higher in patients, serum ferritin was lower in patients than control subjects and this difference was statistically non- significant (P<0.05). Whereas, there was no difference in serum Fe between patients and control subjects. There was no significant correlation between the serum level of these TE with activity of the disease, duration or family history of vitiligo. Conclusions: Serum Zn, Cuand Mg levels in patients with vitiligo were found to be higher than that of controls. The role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of vitiligo needs to be investigated in further large sample sized population-based studies.