Evaluation of serum levels of vitamin D and CXCL10 in patients with generalized vitiligo and their relation to disease severity

Background Vitiligo is an acquired, common, autoimmune, pigmentary defect of the skin. Vitamin D (VitD) plays a physiological role in photo-induced melanogenesis in the skin. It was found that VitD levels decline in autoimmune illnesses. Recently, there has been growing interest in the role of vitamin D3 in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and its change after treatment. The chemokine CXCL10 was found to be raised in the serum of patients with vitiligo. Few studies have evaluated its relation to the severity of the disease. Aims To establish a link between both serum VitD and serum CXCL10 and vitiligo, besides evaluating their possible relation to disease severity. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 30 patients with generalized vitiligo and 30 healthy individuals without age and sex limitations. Serum VitD and CXCL10 levels were measured for both patients with vitiligo and controls and were re-evaluated after 12 weeks for patients with vitiligo. The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index was calculated for the patient group at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results Serum VitD was found to be significantly lower in patients with vitiligo than controls, whereas serum CXCL10 was significantly higher in patients than healthy controls. Changes in serum CXCL10 at the end of the study period positively correlated with changes in Vitiligo Area Scoring Index of patients with vitiligo. Conclusion There is a strong relationship between both serum VitD and CXCL10 and vitiligo. Serum CXCL10 levels change in relation to disease severity.