J Turk Acad Dermatol 2011; 5 (4): 1154r1

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic, idiopathic, acquired pigmentary disorder which is characterized by depigmented patches on skin and mucous membranes. It affects approximately % 0.1-8.8 of the population. Different hypotheses are concerning to explain etiopathogenesis. Nowadays several studies have been keeping up about oxidative stress in vitiligo etiology. Oxidative stress is the result of overproduction or inadequate removal of reactive oxygen species. Recent studies are mainly major on antioxidants levels and lipid peroxidation product levels in blood. There is not enough evidence about the levels of protein and DNA peroxidation product levels in vitiligo patients. At this point multicentric more studies on larger population are needed to be made to prove the certain affects of these markers in vitiligo etiology.