Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentary disorder characterized by destruction of melanocytes. The activity of vitiligo influences the clinical outcome and alters the choice of treatment modality. S100B is a calcium binding protein and one of the danger associated molecular patterns. CXCL9 is a chemokine that plays a role in innate defense mechanism. Aim of work: The current study aimed to evaluate the levels of S100B and CXCL9 in patients with non-segmental vitiligo, verify the relationship between both markers and vitiligo activity, and detect the effect of oral minipulse (OMP) steroid therapy on S100B and CXCL9 levels in active non-segmental vitiligo. Patients and methods: This study included 40 non-segmental vitiligo patients (20 patients with active disease and 20 patients with stable vitiligo) and 20 healthy controls. Skin biopsies from the edge of vitiliginous lesions and serum samples were taken from patients. Skin biopsies and serum samples were taken from controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used to measure tissue and serum S100B, and serum CXCL9 levels. The active vitiligo group received OMP steroids for 6 months, after which clinical examination, skin biopsies and serum samples were taken for assessment of tissue and serum S100B, and serum CXCL9 levels. Results: There was a statistically significant elevation of tissue and serum S100B, as well as serum CXCL9 in vitiligo patients compared to controls

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