Association Between Serum and Intraerythrocyte Zinc Levels and Vitiligo Disease Activity: A Clinical Study

Vitiligo, characterized by melanocyte destruction and pigment loss, exhibits variable prevalence across different regions. Although its exact etiopathogenesis remains unclear, numerous hypotheses exist. This study aimed to assess the relationship between serum and intraerythrocyte zinc levels and vitiligo disease activity. We included 104 participants: 52 with vitiligo from Gata Haydarpaşa Training Hospital's Dermatology Clinic and 52 controls. Diagnosis was confirmed via physical examination and Wood's lamp. Blood samples were collected for zinc measurement. The mean age of the participants was 25.76 years and was similar in the control and vitiligo groups (p = 0.23). The mean disease duration was 5.2 years, 8 years in men and 3 years in women. Serum zinc levels, intraerythrocyte zinc levels, hemoglobin and hematocrit values did not differ between the control and vitiligo groups (p = 0.15; p = 0.27; p = 0.56; p = 0.61, respectively). Serum zinc levels, intraerythrocyte zinc levels, zinc concentration per mg of hemoglobin, hematocrit and Hb levels were similar in generalised and localised vitiligo groups (p = 0.49; p = 0.05; p = 0.15; p = 0.54; p = 0.25, respectively). Zinc levels in serum and intraerythrocytes did not significantly differ between vitiligo patients and controls. No correlation was found between disease type (generalized or localized) and zinc levels. Future research should explore zinc levels in affected skin or hair and compare with healthy individuals without skin conditions.