The Relationship Between Superoxide Dismutase Levels and Vitiligo Area Scoring Index Scores in Vitiligo Patients at Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 56 views

The Relationship Between Superoxide Dismutase Levels and Vitiligo Area Scoring Index Scores in Vitiligo Patients at Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan

Introduction

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of white patches on the skin, resulting from the loss of melanocyte cells. This condition is an idiopathic form of leukoderma, and it is the most common pigment disorder. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining oxidative balance in the body. It is thought to play a role in the development of vitiligo and can function as a biomarker to assess the severity of this disease. However, the relationship between SOD levels and vitiligo severity is still not well understood.

Research Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between SOD levels and vitiligo scoring index (VASI) scores in vitiligo patients at Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan. This study aims to investigate whether SOD levels can be used as an indicator for assessing vitiligo severity and to identify other risk factors associated with this condition.

Methodology

This study employed an observational analytic study design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 39 vitiligo patients who had been diagnosed through clinical examination and examination using Wood lights were recruited for this study. The control group consisted of the same number of healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected from each participant to measure SOD levels, and VASI scores were assessed using a standardized scoring system.

Research Results

The results of this study showed that there was no significant relationship between SOD levels and VASI scores (p = 0.795, r = -0.043). Similarly, no significant relationships were found between SOD levels and clinical type (p = 0.692) and vitiligo duration (p = 0.720, r = -0.059). In addition, no significant differences were found between SOD levels in vitiligo patients and control groups (p = 0.705). Further analysis revealed that there was no significant relationship between SOD levels and sex (p = 0.515) and age of vitiligo patients (p = 0.565; r = 0.095).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that there is no significant relationship between SOD levels and VASI scores, clinical types, and vitiligo duration in patients. In addition, no significant differences were found between SOD levels in vitiligo patients and control groups, and no significant relationships were found between SOD levels and sex and age of vitiligo patients. These results indicate that SOD levels cannot be used as indicators for assessing vitiligo severity or other risk factors.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The findings of this study provide new insights into the role of SOD in vitiligo, considering that SOD is often associated with the mechanism of antioxidants in the body. Although SOD plays an important role in maintaining oxidative balance, the results of this study indicate that SOD levels cannot be used as indicators for assessing vitiligo severity or other risk factors. The importance of further research remains, especially to find other biomarkers that can be more accurate in assessing the severity and characteristics of vitiligo disease.

Implications and Future Directions

The results of this study have implications for the development of more effective therapy for vitiligo patients. A better understanding of the pathogenesis and factors that affect vitiligo is essential for the development of targeted therapies. This study also confirms that genetic and environmental factors may play a greater role in the development of vitiligo than just SOD levels in the body. Further research is needed to identify other risk factors and biomarkers associated with vitiligo, which can lead to the development of more effective treatments for this condition.

Limitations and Future Research Directions

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a cross-sectional design. Future studies should employ a larger sample size and a longitudinal design to investigate the relationship between SOD levels and vitiligo severity over time. Additionally, further research is needed to identify other biomarkers that can be used to assess vitiligo severity and to develop targeted therapies for this condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found no significant relationship between SOD levels and VASI scores, clinical types, and vitiligo duration in patients. The results of this study indicate that SOD levels cannot be used as indicators for assessing vitiligo severity or other risk factors. Further research is needed to identify other biomarkers that can be used to assess vitiligo severity and to develop targeted therapies for this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vitiligo and Superoxide Dismutase

Q: What is vitiligo?

A: Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of white patches on the skin, resulting from the loss of melanocyte cells. This condition is an idiopathic form of leukoderma, and it is the most common pigment disorder.

Q: What is superoxide dismutase (SOD)?

A: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining oxidative balance in the body. It is thought to play a role in the development of vitiligo and can function as a biomarker to assess the severity of this disease.

Q: What is the relationship between SOD levels and vitiligo severity?

A: The relationship between SOD levels and vitiligo severity is still not well understood. This study found no significant relationship between SOD levels and vitiligo area scoring index (VASI) scores, clinical types, and vitiligo duration in patients.

Q: Can SOD levels be used as an indicator for assessing vitiligo severity?

A: No, the results of this study indicate that SOD levels cannot be used as indicators for assessing vitiligo severity or other risk factors.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the development of more effective therapy for vitiligo patients?

A: The results of this study have implications for the development of more effective therapy for vitiligo patients. A better understanding of the pathogenesis and factors that affect vitiligo is essential for the development of targeted therapies.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a cross-sectional design. Future studies should employ a larger sample size and a longitudinal design to investigate the relationship between SOD levels and vitiligo severity over time.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Further research is needed to identify other biomarkers that can be used to assess vitiligo severity and to develop targeted therapies for this condition. Additionally, further research is needed to identify other risk factors and biomarkers associated with vitiligo.

Q: What is the significance of this study for the field of dermatology?

A: This study provides new insights into the role of SOD in vitiligo and highlights the importance of further research in this area. The findings of this study have implications for the development of more effective therapy for vitiligo patients and contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and factors that affect vitiligo.

Q: How can patients with vitiligo benefit from this study?

A: Patients with vitiligo can benefit from this study by gaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis and factors that affect their condition. This knowledge can lead to the development of more effective therapies and improve the quality of life for patients with vitiligo.

Q: What are the next steps for further research in this area?

A: The next steps for further research in this area include identifying other biomarkers that can be used to assess vitiligo severity and developing targeted therapies for this condition. Additionally, further research is needed to identify other risk factors and biomarkers associated with vitiligo.