Evaluation of total sulfhydryl levels and dietary habits in pemphigus vulgaris.

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune bullous dermatitis caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein-1 and desmoglein-3. Sulfhydryl group/total thiols play a key role in numerous cellular activities, such as antioxidant protection, detoxification, cell growth, and apoptosis. Acantholysis may develop due to chemical reasons.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PV and serum total sulfhydryl levels.

Material and methods: The study was conducted with a total of 177 individuals, comprising 86 PV patients and 91 controls. Age, gender, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and pemphigus-triggering food intake were recorded. Diagnosis of PV was established based on the clinical and histopathologic examinations followed by a direct immunofluorescence and indirect immunofluorescence test. Serum total sulfhydryl level (TSH) was measured by spectrophotometric method.

Results: Mean age was 41.94 ±11.41 years in the patient group and 39.86 ±11.72 years in the control group. In the PV group, smoking was noted in 62.8% (n = 54) and alcohol consumption was noted in 32.6% (n = 28) of the patients. There was a significant difference in total sulfhydryl levels between the groups.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that foods and drugs containing sulfhydryl groups may induce pemphigus vulgaris or aggravate the disease.