Plasma Reactive Oxygen Species Activity and Antioxidant Potential Levels in Rosacea Patients: Correlation with Seropositivity to Helicobacter Pylori

Background: Recent studies have suggested that there might be an etiologic role for Helicobacter pylori (HP) in rosacea. HP is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa, increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreases plasma antioxidants such as ascorbic acid.

Aim: To investigate plasma ROS activities and antioxidant status, and their relationship with HP infection, in rosacea patients.

Methods: Twenty-nine rosacea patients and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were examined for specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM against HP, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant potential (AOP) levels.

Results: Compared with controls, the seropositivity of HP for IgM was significantly higher (P = 0.03) and the seropositivity of HP for IgG was significantly lower (P = 0.0001) in patients with rosacea. Plasma MDA levels were higher (P = 0.0001) and AOP levels were lower (P = 0.019) in patients than in controls, regardless of the severity of the disease. Plasma MDA and AOP levels were not affected by the seropositivity of HP for IgM and/or IgG in either group.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that rosacea is an oxidative stress condition, as reflected by the increased ROS activity and decreased AOP, regardless of HP infection.