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Antioxidants and narrow band‐UVB in the treatment of vitiligo: a double‐blind placebo controlled trial
Author(s) -
Dell'Anna M. L.,
Mastrofrancesco A.,
Sala R.,
Venturini M.,
Ottaviani M.,
Vidolin A. P.,
Leone G.,
Calzavara P. G.,
Westerhof W.,
Picardo M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2007.02514.x
Subject(s) - vitiligo , oxidative stress , placebo , medicine , gastroenterology , catalase , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , lipoic acid , reactive oxygen species , superoxide dismutase , antioxidant , randomized controlled trial , immunology , pathology , biochemistry , chemistry , in vitro , alternative medicine
Summary Background. Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disease with uncertain aetiopathogenesis, possibly associated with oxidative stress. Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB‐UVB) is the most widely used and effective treatment. Aim. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of NB‐UVB and the repairing of oxidative stress‐induced damage, using oral supplementation with an antioxidant pool (AP). Methods. Patients ( n = 35) with nonsegmental vitiligo were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicentre trial. The treatment group received, for 2 months before and for 6 months during the NB‐UVB treatment, a balanced AP containing α‐lipoic acid, vitamins C and E, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The area and number of lesions, as well as some parameters of the oxidation–reduction (redox) status of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were estimated at the beginning, after 2 months, and at the end of the trial. Results. In total, 28 patients completed the study. After 2 months of AP supplementation, the catalase activity and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were 121% and 57% of the basal values ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.02 vs. placebo, respectively). The AP increased the therapeutic success of NB‐UVB, with 47% of the patients obtaining > 75% repigmentation vs. 18% in the placebo group ( P < 0.05). An increase in catalase activity to 114% ( P < 0.05 vs. placebo) and decrease in ROS level of up to 60% ( P < 0.02 vs. placebo) of the basal value was observed in PBMCs. Finally, the AP intake maintained the membrane lipid ratio (saturated : unsaturated fatty acids 1.8 : 3.1; P < 0.05), counteracting phototherapy‐induced saturation. Conclusions. Oral supplementation with AP containing α‐lipoic acid before and during NB‐UVB significantly improves the clinical effectiveness of NB‐UVB, reducing vitiligo‐associated oxidative stress.