Association of FOXP3 (rs3761548) promoter polymorphism with nondermatomal vitiligo: A study from India

Background: The rs3761548 polymorphism (-3279 C>A) of FOXP3 gene is associated with several autoimmune disorders. Objective: We sought to determine whether rs3761548 polymorphism is associated with nondermatomal vitiligo in Indian subjects. Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 303 patients and 305 control subjects and genotyping was done by allele-specific primers. Data analysis was carried out for the entire cohort and separately for male and female participants as FOXP3 is an X-linked marker. Statistics were performed using software. Results: The genotype frequencies differed significantly from patients to control subjects (P = .002). Further analysis demonstrated female participants with CC genotype were protected (CC vs CA+AA; odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.238-0.615) and those with CA genotype were at higher risk to develop vitiligo (CA vs CC+AA; odds ratio 2.634, 95% confidence interval 1.604-4.325). However, no such statistical difference was observed in male participants. Limitations: Our study is, to our knowledge, the first report from India with respect to vitiligo and rs3761548; however, we lack adequate literature assistance. Conclusions: The rs3761548 of FOXP3 gene in our population may be associated with susceptibility to vitiligo because of altered expression. CC genotype appears to be protective and CA genotype seems to impart nearly 3-fold risk to develop vitiligo in women and girls.