Levels of oxidative damage and proinflammatory cytokines are enhanced in patients with active vitiligo

AbstractVitiligo is an autoimmune depigmenting skin disease characterised by loss of melanocytes wherein oxidative stress is proposed to be the initial triggering factor with subsequent immune dysregulation. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship, if any, between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), markers of oxidative damage and circulating cytokines in patients with active vitiligo. The generation of ROS in erythrocytes and neutrophils was significantly higher in patients with active vitiligo than healthy controls. Alongside, markers of oxidative stress-mediated damage namely lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and protein carbonylation were evaluated. Patients with active vitiligo demonstrated increased lipid and DNA damage but minimal protein damage. There was a significant decline in the free radical scavenging capacity of active vitiligo cases. A positive correlation existed between baseline levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation as also DNA damage. Patients with active vitiligo demonst...