Association of IFN-γ : IL-10 Cytokine Ratio with Nonsegmental Vitiligo Pathogenesis

Background and Objectives. Cytokines regulate immune response and inflammation and play a crucial role in depigmentation process of vitiligo. The present study aimed to estimate the serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-gamma and IL-10, and their ratios in nonsegmental vitiligo patients and healthy individuals from India. Methods. Blood samples were collected from 280 subjects and serum IFN-gamma and IL-10 levels were measured using standard ELISA. Results. Nonsegmental vitiligo patients showed increased levels of IFN-gamma (12.4 +/- 3.2 versus 9.9 +/- 4.4 pg/mL) and decreased levels of IL-10 (9.3 +/- 1.7 versus 11.5 +/- 5 pg/mL) compared to controls. Ratio of IFN-gamma : IL-10 differed significantly from patients to controls (P < 0.05). IFN-gamma concentrations and IFN-gamma : IL-10 ratio varied significantly with respect to clinical variants, disease stability, and social habits (smoking and alcohol consumption) and showed a positive correlation with disease duration. Family history of vitiligo was significantly associated with IFN-gamma : IL-10 ratio but not with their individual levels. Conclusion. The ratio of IFN-gamma : IL-10 serum levels may be considered as one of the promising immunological markers in nonsegmental vitiligo. This is the first study considering multiple aspects in relation to ratio of cytokine levels. Similar studies with large samples are warranted to confirm our observations.