The 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-α toco­pherol plus vitamin D placebo; group D (n=11) 1600 IU vitamin D3 plus 600 IU synthetic all-rac-α tocopherol. Erythro­cyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, serum 25 (OH) D, plasma α-tocopherol were determined. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-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.