Tacrolimus versus narrowband ultraviolet b in the treatment of vitiligo: a clinical and laboratory evaluation

Background Etiopathogenesis of vitiligo is unclear. Immunological background has a role. Interleukin 17 (IL-17) may play a role in its pathogenesis. There is no standard treatment regimen for vitiligo; however, calcineurin inhibitors may be an effective treatment option. Objective The aim was to evaluate tacrolimus versus narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) in treatment of vitiligo, both clinically and by measurement of IL-17 before and after treatment. Patients and methods A total of 45 patients with generalized vitiligo were included in the study. Overall, 21 patients were treated with NB-UVB, whereas 24 were treated with tacrolimus for 3 months. Vitiligo area scoring index (VASI) and IL-17 were measured before and after treatment. Results VASI was significantly improved after both treatments (P<0.001 for both groups). IL-17 was significantly decreased after treatment in both study groups (P<0.001 for both groups). IL-17 was significantly correlated with VASI. Conclusion NB-UVB and tacrolimus are both effective in the treatment of vitiligo and in decreasing IL-17. IL-17 may play a role in pathogenesis of vitiligo as its level was decreased significantly after treatment.