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Oxidative Stress in Alopecia Areata: A Case–Control Study

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Abstract

Background

Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation are seen in many dermatologic disorders, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne vulgaris, pemphigus vulgaris, and lichen planus. In alopecia areata (AA), there is increased production of ROS from perifollicular inflammatory cells.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stress index (OSI) and lipid peroxidation by studying serum total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) values in AA patients.

Methods

The study included 35 AA patients and a control group consisting of 30 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. The serum TOC, TAC, and MDA values were measured, and the OSIs were calculated and compared in both groups.

Results

The mean serum TOC (p < 0.001), MDA (p < 0.001), and OSI (p < 0.001) values were found to be significantly higher in AA patients than in the control group. The mean serum TAC value was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in cases than in controls. Significantly higher MDA (p < 0.001), TOC (p < 0.001), and OSI values (p < 0.001) and lower TAC values (p < 0.01) were found in severe AA than in mild or moderate AA.

Conclusion

The demonstrated results confirmed the presence of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in AA. Whether these changes play a role in disease pathogenesis or result from the inflammatory process requires further investigation.

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Acknowledgments

This manuscript has been read and approved by all authors, the requirements for authorship have been met, and each author believes that the manuscript represents honest work. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this study. No sources of funding were used to conduct this study or to prepare this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufiya University Hospital, Shibeen El Koom, Menoufiya Governorate, 32817, Egypt

    Ola Ahmed Bakry, Mohamed Abdel Moneim Shoeib & Amira Gooda

  2. Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufiya University, Menoufiya Governorate, Egypt

    Rania Mohamed Azmy Elshazly

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  1. Ola Ahmed Bakry
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  2. Rania Mohamed Azmy Elshazly
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  3. Mohamed Abdel Moneim Shoeib
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Correspondence to Ola Ahmed Bakry.

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Bakry, O.A., Elshazly, R.M.A., Shoeib, M.A.M. et al. Oxidative Stress in Alopecia Areata: A Case–Control Study. Am J Clin Dermatol 15, 57–64 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-013-0036-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-013-0036-6

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