The expression changes of cytokines, excision repair cross complementing-1 and γ-H2AX protein in pathological changes of vitiligo patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between the expression of interferon-γ(IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and tumor necrosis factor-β(TNF-β) in serum and excision repair cross complementing-1 (ERCC1) and γ-H2AX protein in pathological tissues of vitiligo patients. Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, TGF-α and TNF-β in serum of vitiligo patients with different phases. Western blot was used to detect the ERCC1 and γ-H2AX protein in pathological tissues of vitiligo patients. Results Compared with control, the expression of IFN-γ and TGF-β was decreased(F=37.48, F=42.41, P<0.05), while the expression of IL-4 and TNF-β was increased in serum of vitiligo patients in stable and progressive phase(F=56.37, F=77.19, P<0.05). Compared with control, the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 decreased in vitiligo patients in progressive phase(F=46.27, P<0.05). Compared with control, the expression of excision repair cross complementing 1 ERCC1 protein was significantly decreased(F=45.71, P<0.05), while γ-H2AX protein was significantly increased in pathological tissues of vitiligo patients in stable and progressive phase(F=37.96, P<0.05). Conclusion IFN-γ, IL-4, TGF-α and TNF-β might take part in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. ERCC1 and γ-H2AX protein were associated with the pathological damage of vitiligo. Key words: Vitiligo; Interleukin; DNA damage