Serum paraoxonase-1 levels as an indicator of oxidative stress in patients with vitiligo

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity as an indicator of oxidative stress in patients with active generalized vitiligo.BackgroundVitiligo is an acquired cutaneous disorder of pigmentation, characterized by destruction of melanocytes. One of the major hypotheses in the pathogenesis of vitiligo is the oxidative stress hypothesis. In patients with vitiligo, lower levels of PON1 prevent lipoprotein peroxidation and oxidation of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol.Patients and methodsA case–control study was conducted on 40 patients: 20 patients with recent active generalized vitiligo and 20 age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. All the included patients underwent full history taking, full examination, routine laboratory investigations, and assessment of serum PON1.ResultsThe serum PON1 level in patient group A (101.64 ± 25.48) was significantly lower than that in the control group B (181.88 ± 95.12) (P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between serum PON1 level and vitiligo area severity index score (r = −0.780, P < 0.001).ConclusionVitiligo is probably mediated through a process of oxidative stress and imbalance of oxidant–antioxidant system. Oxidative stress present in vitiligo disease can be determined by measurement of serum PON1 in these patients.