The role of oxidants and antioxidants in generalized vitiligo at tissue level

Abstract

Our results demonstrate the presence of an imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system in vitiligo at tissue level and provide further support for a free radical-mediated damage as an initial pathogenic event in melanocyte degeneration in vitiligo.

Implication of serum zinc level with duration and clinical type of vitiligo

“…Vitiligo may cause serious psychosocial problems for those afflicted. 6 The prognosis There was no significant difference of mean serum zinc level between male and female in each group (Table I).…”

The Pathogenesis of Vitiligo

“…The latter found decreased CAT levels and increased GPx levels in tissue, whereas previously, CAT was unchanged and GPx was decreased in patient serum. To substantiate the more recent Ines et al findings, Yildirim et al (2004) also found increased SOD, MDA, and GPx when examining the tissue of vitiligo patients. In addition, Khan et al (2009) found increased MDA, but significantly lower levels of SOD, GPx, and non-enzymatic antioxidant agents vitamins C and E in vitiligo patient serum.…”

“…SOD scavenges superoxide radicals and reduces their toxicity (converts O 2 -to O 2 and H 2 O 2 ) and catalase converts hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to oxygen (O 2 ) and water (H 2 O) (Ines et al, 2006). MDA is a product of lipid peroxidation and is an indicator of oxidative stress (Latha & Babu, 2001, Yildirim et al, 2004. Selenium is required for GPx activity and vitamins E and A are important in antioxidant activity.…”

Disorders of Pigmentation of the Skin - Hypotheses Underlying Interventions by Multiple Systems of Medicine:Is there a Role for Integrated Medicine?

“…He based this theory on studies of skin depigmentation by chemical compounds that have a lethal effect on functional melanocytes 39 . Levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde are significantly increased in vitiligo skin 40 , thus strengthening the concept of free-radical damage. Hazneci et al 41 also found evidence in support of oxidative stress in vitiligo.…”