Evaluation of Serum Interleukin-6 Level in Vitiligo Patients before and after Phototherapy

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin, resulting from a loss of functioning epidermal melanocytes. Multiple pathogenetic factors have been proposed, including the neural theory, genetic predisposition and impaired anti-oxidative defense. Objective: To evaluate the role of interleukin-6 in pathogenesis of vitiligo and the effect Narrow band-UVB on IL-6 serum levels. Patients and Methods: The study included 30 patients with vitiligo and 30 healthy controls. Each was submitted to thorough history taking, complete general, dermatological examinations including VASI score, and assessment of serum interleukin-6 before and after 16 sessions of NB-UVB. Results: Results of this study showed no statistical significant difference between patients and control as regard age and gender. Our study revealed a statistically significant difference between levels of IL-6 in patients group before and after therapy. Conclusion: Knowing exactly the role of IL-6 is important not only to clarify the pathogenesis of this disease, but also to improve the clinical course of vitiligo (i.e., disease stabilization and/or repigmentation) and the quality-of-life of patients.