T helper and regulatory T cell cytokine profile in active, stable and narrow band ultraviolet B treated generalized vitiligo.

BACKGROUND Vitiligo is a T cell mediated autoimmune depigmenting disease. Altered cytokine concentrations have been suggested in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. METHODS T helper and regulatory T cell cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17 and TGF-β) have been estimated by ELISA and their clinical correlation was determined. The study had 3 groups: group I with 80 vitiligo patients (60 active and 20 stable), group II with 25 narrow band ultraviolet B treated vitiligo and group III with 70 healthy controls. RESULTS Significant difference was found in the serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-13, IL-17A and TGF-β1 concentrations among 3 groups (P<0.05). In group I, serum IL-2, IL-17A concentrations were significantly increased and TGF-β1 concentrations were decreased in active vitiligo compared to stable vitiligo (P<0.05). Concentrations of IL-2, IL-10 and IL-13 (rho=-0.307, rho=-0.407, rho=-0.351 and P<0.05; respectively) were negatively- and TGF-β1 concentrations were positively-correlated (rho=0.799, P=0.001) with disease duration. Interleukin-13 concentrations were negatively- and serum TGF-β1 concentrations were positively-correlated (rho=-0.326, rho=0.244 and P<0.05; respectively) with percentage of body surface area involvement. CONCLUSIONS Increased concentrations of serum IL-10, IL-13, and IL-17A and decreased concentrations of TGF-β1 suggested altered cell-mediated immunity that may facilitate the melanocyte cytotoxicity in vitiligo.