Serum Neurotensin Levels in Vitiligo Patients: A Comparative Study with Correlation to Disease Activity and Severity....

Vitiligo is a chronic depigmentary disorder with autoimmune and neurogenic mechanisms. Neurotensin, a neuropeptide with immunomodulatory properties, has been implicated in inflammatory skin conditions, but its role in vitiligo remains unclear.

To compare serum neurotensin levels in active and stable vitiligo patients versus healthy controls, and to evaluate their correlation with disease activity (VIDA score) and extent (VASI score).

A case-control study was conducted including 40 vitiligo patients (20 active, 20 stable) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum neurotensin was measured using ELISA. Disease activity and extent were assessed with VIDA and VASI scores, respectively. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman rank correlation tests.

The median serum neurotensin levels were 20.40 ng/ml (range 7.35-74.00) in active patients, 14.55 ng/ml (range 6.10-30.00) with stable patients and 11.20 ng/ml (range 6.40-18.30) with controls. Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that there was a statistically significant overall difference between the three groups (H=16.506, p<0.001). Serum neurotensin showed a modest but statistically significant positive correlation with VIDA score (rs = 0.333, p = 0.036), but no significant correlation with VASI score (p = 0.190).

Serum neurotensin is elevated in vitiligo, particularly in active disease, supporting a potential role for neurogenic mechanisms in melanocyte destruction. Its association with disease activity suggests its potential utility as a biomarker of vitiligo activity.