Evaluation of oxidative stress burden in vitiligo patients: A case-control study from the North Indian Cohort

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Background: Vitiligo is an acquired disorder characterized by skin depigmentation. Although autoimmune mechanisms are central to its pathogenesis, accumulating evidence highlights that oxidative stress is a pivotal contributor to melanocyte destruction. Methods: A total of 220 subjects (110 vitiligo patients and 110 healthy controls) were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected via a well-designed questionnaire and clinical records. The serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) were measured by spectrophotometer analysis. Statistical analyses were performed to compare cases and controls based on age, gender, diet, alcohol/smoking habits, and clinical subtype/activity of vitiligo. Results: Vitiligo patients showed significantly reduced CAT and GPx activities compared to controls, while SOD levels were variably altered, suggesting impaired hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detoxification. The MDA and PC concentrations were markedly elevated in patients, indicating enhanced lipid and protein oxidative damage. Age and smoking aggravated oxidative stress levels in vitiligo patients, while no significant differences were observed across gender, diet, or vitiligo subtypes. Conclusion: An imbalance between elevated oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense, particularly diminished CAT and GPx activities, while elevated MDA and PC levels, underscores the pathogenic role of oxidative damage in vitiligo. These biomarkers may serve as useful indicators of disease progression and targets for antioxidant-based therapeutic strategies.