The role of serum S100B and serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels in vitiligo

Vitiligo is a depigmenting disorder characterized by melanocyte loss, which results in pigment dilution of the skin. Vitiligo is commonly associated with thyroid disorders and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a sensitive marker to detect thyroid disorders. S100B is damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule released when there is melanocyte damage. In this study, we are estimating the serum TSH and S100B levels in vitiligo patients and controls and correlating them with disease activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 39 cases of vitiligo and controls. Demographic details were collected, the cases were examined and Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF) scoring was performed. Serum S100B was analyzed using an ELISA kit and serum TSH levels were estimated. Age of the participants ranged from 14 to 81 years with a mean and standard deviation of 44.08 ± 16.078 years. Female preponderance was noted. Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common presentation. Serum TSH (p = 0.32) and S100B (p = 0.22) levels between cases and controls were not statistically significant. Serum S100B level had a weak positive correlation with the spreading component of VETF score and it was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Mucosal vitiligo had higher levels of serum S100B levels compared to other types of vitiligo. In our study both serum TSH and S100B levels have demonstrated limited utility in distinguishing between vitiligo patients and controls. S100B showed a weak correlation with VETF scores indicating its potential (though limited) as a disease activity marker. Therefore, the potential of using this as a biomarker is debatable, and further multicentric studies with a larger sample size are required to establish the correlation.