Critical appraisal of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#antioxidants #catalase #glutathione-peroxidase #humans #hydrogen-peroxide

Critical appraisal of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Speeckaert et al., 2018 | J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Speeckaert R, Dugardin J, ... van Geel N. Critical appraisal of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018-Jul;32(7):1089-1098. doi:10.1111/jdv.14792

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of vitiligo remains a topic of extensive debate. This is partly due to the moderate efficacy of current treatments. The role of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo is a popular although controversial research topic. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo compared to other inflammatory skin disorders and to assess the therapeutic role of antioxidants. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the existing literature on the aberrancies of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo. Subsequently, the efficacy of both topical and oral antioxidants in clinical trials was investigated. RESULTS: A deregulated oxidative pathway is clearly evident with elevated superoxide dismutase, decreased catalase and increased lipid peroxidation. However, similar results have been obtained in other inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus and urticaria. This questions the unique role of oxidative stress in the development of vitiligo. Some isolated successes have been reported with oral ginkgo biloba, polypodium leucotomos and vitamin C and E preparations, while other clinical trials have failed to show reproducible results. The use of topical antioxidants delivers in general no beneficial results. CONCLUSION: The oxidative pathway is affected in vitiligo, but its unique initiating or contributory role in the pathogenesis is less evident. Interesting data support the added value of oral antioxidants in vitiligo although confirmatory studies are missing.

Key Findings

A deregulated oxidative pathway is clearly evident with elevated superoxide dismutase, decreased catalase and increased lipid peroxidation. However, similar results have been obtained in other inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus and urticaria. This questions the unique role of oxidative stress in the development of vitiligo. Some isolated successes have been reported with oral ginkgo biloba, polypodium leucotomos and vitamin C and E preparations, while

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Catalase
  • Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Lipid Peroxidation
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Vitiligo

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09