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Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine serum vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine (Hcy) levels as well as MTHFR (C677, A1298C) gene polymorphisms in patients with vitiligo, and to compare the results with healthy controls. Forty patients with vitiligo and 40 age and sex matched healthy subjects were studied. Serum vitamin B12 and folate levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma Hcy levels and MTHFR polymorphisms were determined by chemiluminescence and real time PCR methods, respectively. Mean serum vitamin B12 and Hcy levels were not significantly different while folic acid levels were significantly lower in the control group. There was no significant relationship between disease activity and vitamin B12, folic acid and homocystein levels. No significant difference in C677T gene polymorphism was detected. Heterozygote A1298C gene polymorphism in the patient group was statistically higher than the control group. There was no significant relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine levels. In conclusion, vitamin B12, folate and Hcy levels are not altered in vitiligo and MTHFR gene mutations (C677T and A1298C) do not seem to create susceptibility for vitiligo.
Highlights
Theories concerning autoimmune, cytotoxic, biochemical, neural, and oxidant-antioxidant mechanisms have been suggested in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo
Folic acid and vitamin B12 levels have been reported to be lower in vitiligo patients when compared to the normal population [15], and better results were achieved when folate and vitamin B12 are incorporated with vitiligo treatment [8]
An association has been suggested between vitiligo and pernicious anaemia and/or folic acid deficiency [13, 15]
Summary
Theories concerning autoimmune, cytotoxic, biochemical, neural, and oxidant-antioxidant mechanisms have been suggested in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo. Folic acid and vitamin B12 levels have been reported to be lower in vitiligo patients when compared to the normal population [15], and better results were achieved when folate and vitamin B12 are incorporated with vitiligo treatment [8]. Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies lead increase in plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Increase of Hcy causes activation of various cytokines and lipid peroxidation and increased reactive oxygen radicals may have toxic effects on melanocytes. Another likely mechanism is inhibition of thyrosinase by Hcy [16]
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