A case-control study on immunologic markers of patients with vitiligo

Vitiligo is a depigmentation skin disease often coexisting with other autoimmune disorders. The prevalence is 0.5-2 % of the world's population. A combination of genetic, environmental and biochemical factors play a role in pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of the study was to measure selected cytokines in the blood sera of patients with vitiligo and to select the best marker of the disease. The study was conducted on 50 patients with vitiligo and 38 controls. The type of vitiligo, body surface area (BSA), disease advancement assessment according to Vitiligo European Task Force, the degree of skin involvement and degree of progression were measured. Patients' skin phototype was determined according to Fitzpatrick's classification. Medical history was recorded. Venous blood samples were obtained, The sera were used for laboratory test. Determinations of IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 were performed using the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. In the study group 4 cases had phototype I, 38 II, 8 III. In the control group: 3, 29, 6, respectively. Universal vitiligo was found in 38 patients, segmental in 2, acro-facial in 10. In all cases VETF was + 1. Hypothyroidism was recorded in the medical histories of 11 cases vs 2 controls. Significantly higher concentrations of IL-22 and IL-23 were in cases vs controls. IL-22 concentrations were significantly higher in the study group with BSA ≤ 10 than in the control group, and in the group with BSA ≥ 10 they were the highest (p < 0.05). IL-22 is the best marker of active universal type vitiligo, it is directly proportional to the extent of lesions.