The assessment of serum S100B in vitiligo

Objective To evaluate the role of serum S100B in vitiligo. This may provide a closer understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease entity. Hopefully, this insight can set the route for newer therapeutic approaches. Background Vitiligo is an acquired dyschromia of the skin, in which there is a loss of epidermal melanocytes. The prevalence of vitiligo is ~ 0.1–2% worldwide. The exact pathogenesis of vitiligo remains elusive and is likely multifactorial. S100 proteins are localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of a wide range of cells and involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. Patients and methods This case–control study was carried out on 40 patients with vitiligo and 40 age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers as a control group. All participants were subjected to a full history taking, general examination, local examination with determination of site of the lesions, assessment of vitiligo activity and severity, and laboratory investigation for quantitative measurement of S100B protein in vitiligo serum. Results There was a highly significant difference between cases and controls regarding the mean S100B level. There was a significant difference between cases with elevated S100B and normal level of S100B regarding vitiligo area scoring index score. There was a significant positive correlation between S100B and vitiligo disease activity score. Conclusion S100 protein is elevated in patients with vitiligo more than healthy population. This may be owing to that S100 protein is involved in vitiligo pathogenesis through affecting Ca homeostasis and activation of proinflammatory cascade with release of interleukin-1B and interleukin-6.