A Cross-Sectional Study of the Levels of Cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in Blood and Skin (Lesional and Uninvolved) of Vitiligo Patients and Their Possible Role As Biomarkers

Overview

Journal Indian J Dermatol

Specialty Dermatology

Date 2023 May 8

PMID 37151272

Authors

Abhishek De

Nidhi Choudhary

Amrita Sil

Aarti Sarda

Abu Hena Hasanoor Raja

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Vitiligo is a multifactorial disorder, most often explained by the autoimmune hypothesis. The objective of this study is to measure the levels of cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the blood and skin (lesional and uninvolved) of vitiligo patients and to compare it with that of age-matched controls.

Methods: IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma cytokines were measured with a BioRad 6110 ELISA reader. We compared the levels of these cytokines in generalized versus localized vitiligo and stable versus unstable vitiligo. We also correlated cytokine levels in blood/lesion/uninvolved skin with body surface area (BSA) involvement and Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) scoring.

Result: Forty-three participants, each with vitiligo and control, were analyzed. The values of TNF-α and IL 6 in sera were significantly higher in the vitiligo group compared with the controls ( < 0.001), whereas INF-γ was significantly lower in the vitiligo group than the control group. TNF-α, INF-γ levels when compared between blood, lesional skin, and normal skin in all vitiligo patients were found to be significant ( < 0.001).

Conclusion: We conclude vitiligo is strongly associated with increased levels of TNF-α and IL 6.

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