Serum Bilirubin, uric acid and albumin antioxidant levels in patients with vitiligo

Abstract

Objective: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by well-demarcated, different sizes of depigmented macules and which is caused by the destruction of melanocytes on the skin. Oxidative stress is considered as one of the pathogenic events effective in melanocyte degeneration. The purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between vitiligo and serum bilirubin, UA and albumin (Alb) antioxidant levels. Material and Methods: 81 patients with vitiligo and age and gender matched 86 healthy controls were included in the study. Vitiligo diagnosis was made with the clinical appearance of depigmented macules on the skin and with Wood lamp examination. Questionnaire including demographic information was filled in for all patients. A blood sample was taken from all patients and biochemical laboratory tests were performed on total bilirubin (Tbil), direct bilirubin (Dbil), indirect bilirubin (Ibil), UA and Alb values in biochemistry laboratory. Results: 81 vitiligo patients (44 males and 37 females) and 86 controls (HCs) (47 males and 39 females) were included in the study. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age and gender. The most prevalent vitiligo types were generalized (46.9%) and localized (42%) types. When compared with the healthy control group, serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect biliribun values were found to be significantly lower in vitiligo patients. Serum UA levels were lower in vitiligo patients when compared with the control group; however, there was no statistically significant difference. No difference was found between the two groups in terms of Alb values. Conclusion: This study showed that bilirubin can be used as an effective and useful indicator of oxidative stress in vitiligo patients.