Serum Copper and Zinc levels among Iranian vitiligo patients

Abstract

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic skin disease, which its etiopathogenesis is not fully understood. Numerous studies have suggested that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of vitiligo. There are controversial reports as to the changes of serum trace elements, copper and zinc levels in vitiligo patients. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the alterations in the level of serum Cu and Zn among a group of Iranian vitiligo patients. Methods: The levels of serum Cu and Zn were compared between 117 vitiligo patients and 137 healthy controls using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The mean Cu and Zn levels in the case group (113.57 ± 59.43 and 95.01 ± 58.95 μg/dl, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the control group (138.90 ± 38.14 and 121.83 ± 33.80 μg/dl, respectively) (p= 0.00). We also observed significantly lower serum Cu and Zn concentrations in young (<50 years) than the elderly (≥50 years) patients (p=0.00). The mean Cu and Zn levels in the patients with generalized vitiligo (111.63±54.18 and 93.11±59.33 μg/dl, respectively) were significantly lower than patients with localized vitiligo (120.74 ±71.64 and 98.69±58.63 μg/dl, respectively) and those in the control group (p = 0.00). The serum Cu/Zn ratio obtained in the young and male patients was higher than those in their matched control counterparts (p=0.01). Conclusions: The current study has shown that the disturbance of serum Cu and Zn levels is associated with vitiligo, and may play an important role in the disease development of Iranian vitiligo patients.

Exploring the impact of diet and nutrition on vitiligo: A systematic review of dietary factors and nutritional interventions

“…In a case–control study on older adults with a sample size of more than 200, Khosdel et al 18 . found associations between Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) levels and health outcomes.…”

Association between serum copper-zinc ratio and respiratory tract infection in children and adolescents

“…Cu and Zn are essential micronutrients involved in several cellular processes and different diseases [ 20 , 21 ]. Previously, Malavolta et al depicted that the increase of Cu-Zn ratio was identified in several age-related chronic diseases [ 22 ].…”

Research progress of vitiligo repigmentation: from oxidative stress to autoimmunity

“…One study evaluated changes in serum zinc levels in a group of Iranian patients with vitiligo. The results suggested that disturbances in serum zinc levels were associated with vitiligo and may have a crucial potential in the development of the disease in Iranian patients [42]. The main role of copper is that it promotes the production of melanin and participates in destroying free radicals by forming superoxide dismutase, thus providing physiological protection against oxidative stress [43].…”