Serum Signatures: A Cross-sectional Study Evaluating the Role of Soluble CD27 and Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Vitiligo
S E Mohan, Veena U Nair, Chanabasappa Mendagudli, Sanjay Thejaswi Ramachandra, Mitaxari HugarAbstract
Background:
Vitiligo is an acquired, progressive disorder of pigmentation. Identifying reliable serum biomarkers could contribute to a better understanding of disease activity and immunological mechanisms involved in vitiligo. Soluble cluster of differentiation molecules and chemokines have a promising role as biomarkers as they are often highly expressed and easy to measure in serum.
Aims and Objectives:
This study aimed to determine the serum levels of soluble CD27 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in patients with vitiligo and compare them to healthy controls, in addition to correlating them with disease activity.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 vitiligo patients and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed to determine serum levels of soluble cluster of differentiation 27 (sCD27) and MIF.
Results:
The median serum levels of MIF and sCD27 (interquartile range) were significantly higher in vitiligo patients compared to controls (MIF: 1.21 [0.35–2.87] ng/mL vs. 0.11 [0.1–0.14] ng/mL;
Limitations:
The limitations of this study were as follows: small sample size and lack of follow-up to assess the effect of treatment on the serum levels of these markers. Larger studies are therefore essential to validate the above findings.
Conclusion:
This study reveals the promising role of MIF and sCD27 in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. These findings may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets to effectively manage the disease.