effects of vitamins e and d supplementation on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a public health problem worldwide. Increment of reactive oxygen species [ROS] production may be one of the contributing factors of tissue damage in atopic dermatitis. The present study was designed to determine the effect of vitamins E and/or D on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in patients with atopic dermatitis. In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial 45 atopic dermatitis patients were divided into four groups. Each group received one of the following supplements for 60 days: group A [n = 11] vitamins E and D placebos; group B [n= 12] 1600 international unit [IU] vitamin D3 plus vitamin E placebo; group C [n=11] 600 IU synthetic all -rac-a tocopherol plus vitamin D placebo; group D [nM] 1600 IU vitamin D3 plus 600 IU synthetic all -rac-a tocopherol. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase activities, serum 25 [OH] D, plasma a-tocopherol were determined. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance [ANOVA] and paired /test. After 60 days vitamin D and E supplementation, erythrocyte SOD activities increased in groups B, C and D [P= 0.002, P= 0.016 and P= 0.015, respectively]. Erythrocyte catalase activities increased in groups B and D [P= 0.026 and.P= 0.004, respectively]. The increment of erythrocyte catalase activity was not significant in group C. There was a positive significant correlation between SOD activity and serum 25 [OH] D [r= 0.378, P= 0.01]. It is concluded that vitamin D is as potent as vitamin E in increasing the activities of erythrocyte SOD and catalase in atopic dermatitis patients

[Frequency of skin lesions among 1135 diabetic patients and their association with microvascular complications]

Diabetic patients encounter numerous skin lesions. The present study surveyed the frequency of skin lesions among 1135 diabetic patients and their association with microvascular complications. For this cross sectional study, 1135 diabetic patients [type II diabetes mellitus] wee selected through Iranian Diabetes Association, dermatologic and endocrine disease clinics in Tehran. They were all examined and skin culture, smear or biopsy was obtained when necessary. Blood pressure, weight and height were measured and neuropathy was determined using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Retinopathy was evaluated by a ophthalmologist and all subjects were checked for FBS, HbA[1]c and albuminuria. Totally 1135 diabetic patients including 516 males [45%] and 619 females [55%] with the mean age of 54+/-11 years and the mean disease duration of 9+/-7 years were enrolled. Skin lesions were found in 64% of the subjects. The mean age, mean disease duration, retinopathy, and neuropathy were significantly higher among subjects with skin disorder. Diabetic dermopathy was by far the most common presentation observed in 32.3% of subjects. Acantosis nigricans was found in 26.4% of subjects. Skin lesions are quite common among diabetic patients. Some may denote microvascular complications while the others may reveal poor blood sugar control