Etyopathogenesis and Oxidative Stress Relationship in Mild Severe Alopecia Areata

Objective: Alopecia areata (AA) is a recurrent, autoimmune, inflammatory disease characterized by loss of scarless hair. The etiopathogenesis is not exactly known, however genetic, emotional, environmental factors and autoimmunity are accused. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of AA. Methods: Thirty seven AA patients and thirty five healthy volunteers as control group were included in the study. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant capacity (TOC) in patient and control group serum samples. Results: The TAC values of the patient group were found to be higher than the control group (p=0.036). A nonsignificant difference was found between the two groups statistically bordered by TOC (p=0.058). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of OSI (p=0.270). Conclusion: Oxidative stress may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of AA. The increase in TAC values suggests that the antioxidant system works adequately in patch-type mild severe AA.