| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2021 | Volume
: 8
| Issue : 1 | Page : 42-47 |
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Evaluation of serum levels of zinc and copper in vitiligo
Isha Narang1, Krishna Deb Barman1, Bijaylakshmi Sahoo1, Pramod Lali2
1 Department of Dermatology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
2 Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
Correspondence Address:
MD Krishna Deb Barman
Professor, Department of Dermatology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi-110002
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/Pigmentinternational.Pigmentinternational_
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Background: Vitiligo has high prevalence in India and higher socio-psychological impact due to pigmented skin. Its etiopathogenesis remains unclear and role of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) has been speculated in previous studies with conflicting results. Materials and Methods: This is a case-control study of 100 patients of vitiligo and 60 controls. Serum Zn and Cu were estimated by photometric analysis. Results: The mean serum levels of Zn and Cu were significantly different between the cases and controls (P < 0.001). The mean serum Zn was low whereas Cu was higher when compared to controls but the actual levels of Zn and Cu both in patients and controls were much higher than the reference range. Conclusion: Our study shows that though significant difference in levels between cases and controls does point out possibility of important role of Zn and Cu in pathogenesis of vitiligo. Various environmental and nutritional factors affect their levels and so empirical treatment with zinc-copper supplements increases cost of treatment and isn’t supported by evidence. Also, for further studies to evaluate these levels in serum, a normal reference range for that specific population has to be defined and taken into consideration.
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