Hypothesis: Zinc can be effective in treatment of vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder (prevalence 0.1-2%), still represents a cause of stigmatization and quality of life impairment in a large population. Several theories on vitiligo etiopathogenesis have been suggested including in trauma, stress, and autoimmune and genetic predispositi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nooshin Bagherani, Reza Yaghoobi, Mohammad Omidian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01
Series:Indian Journal of Dermatology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2011;volume=56;issue=5;spage=480;epage=484;aulast=Bagherani
Description
Summary:Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder (prevalence 0.1-2%), still represents a cause of stigmatization and quality of life impairment in a large population. Several theories on vitiligo etiopathogenesis have been suggested including in trauma, stress, and autoimmune and genetic predisposition, accumulation of toxic compounds, altered cellular environment, imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system, impaired melanocyte migration and/or proliferation, infection, and psychological factors. Zinc, as a trace element, has many vital functions in human. It is antiapoptotic factor and needed as a cofactor for antioxidant defense system. It plays an important role in the process of melanogenesis. It may be effective in prevention and treatment of vitiligo via some mechanism. Herein, we suggested some probable protective mechanism for zinc in association with vitiligo.
ISSN:0019-5154
1998-3611