Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2-related Factor 2 Gene Polymorphisms in Vitiligo.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Dermatology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Oxidative stress is a recognized factor in vitiligo pathogenesis.
• Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key regulator of antioxidant gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Nrf2 gene polymorphisms and vitiligo susceptibility in an Egyptian cohort.
• To explore the potential influence of Nrf2 polymorphisms on the clinical characteristics of vitiligo.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 100 vitiligo patients and 50 healthy controls.
• Genotyping of Nrf2 gene polymorphisms (rs35652124 and rs6721961) was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher frequencies of Nrf2 (rs35652124) TT and CT genotypes, and the T allele, were observed in vitiligo patients compared to controls.
• The T allele of Nrf2 (rs6721961) was more prevalent in patients and associated with marginal repigmentation and progressive disease course.
• The G allele of Nrf2 (rs6721961) was linked to a higher body mass index.

Conclusions:

• Nrf2 gene polymorphisms (-617 T/G and -653 T/C) may contribute to vitiligo susceptibility.
• These polymorphisms might also play a role in modifying the clinical presentation and disease course of vitiligo.