Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

Abstract

Low Antioxidant Reserve in First Degree Relatives of Vitiligo Patients

Yogita Rajput*, Diksha Mahilang, Akanksha Yadav, Kiran Dhruve, Mritunjay Kumar Singh, Vinod Koshley, Jagannath Pal, Pramod Kumar Nigam

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the loss of melanocytes leading to a white patch on the skin. Oxidative stress is a significant key factor in the destruction of melanocytes however antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to oxidative stress.

Aims: Our study explored how the role of demographics, lifestyle factors and total antioxidant reserves may interplay in the disease outcome of vitiligo. In this pilot study, we evaluated the total antioxidant reserve in spectrums of vitiligo patients, their first-degree family members and independent healthy individuals.

Methods: A total of 150 Indian study participants were recruited. Venous blood was collected from 59 Vitiligo Patients (VP), their corresponding 59 paired family members (VH) and 32 independent Healthy Controls (HC). Serum antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using the standard ELISA technique and correlated with clinicopathological findings.

Results: Our results reveal that lower TAC in both severe vitiligo and family members compared to unrelated HC shows a significant association (VP severe vs. HC; P=0.0005 and VH severe vs. HC; P=0.0003), indicating a familial predisposition to oxidative stress in this patient’s group as a disease-modulating factor.

Limitations: Small sample size; assessments of oxidative stress as well as antioxidant reserves marker substantiate with large sample size in vitiligo patients and association with 1° and 2° degree family members.

Conclusion: Based on these findings, we concluded that oxidative stress should be monitored and treated in vitiligo patients and their family members as a preventive measure to reduce severe forms of vitiligo and many chronic diseases. Larger studies will further validate the approach and its broader application in other oxidative stress conditions.

Published Date: 2025-02-14; Received Date: 2024-11-06