The susceptibility to vitiligo is associated with NF-E2-related factor2 (Nrf2) gene polymorphisms: a study on Chinese Han population

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Oxidative stress is considered to be the initial pathogenic event in the melanocyte destruction. NF-E2-related factor2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor regulating the expression of detoxifying and antioxidant genes. To investigate the association of the Nrf2 gene promoter polymorphisms with vitiligo in Chinese Han population, the genotypes of -686A/G, -684G/A and -650C/A and the genotyping of variable number of tandem repeat were detected. The data were analysed by the chi-square test and the risk was evaluated by calculating OR and 95% CI. There was statistically significant difference in genotypic and allelic frequencies of -650C/A between the two groups (P < 0.05). A(-650) allele was significantly associated with the risk for vitiligo (OR = 1.724, chi(2) = 18.096). Polymorphism of the Nrf2 gene promoter at -650C/A was associated with the development of vitiligo and A(-650) allele may be one of the risk factors.