Association of Serum Interleukin-17 Levels With Vitiligo: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is the most common acquired depigmenting disorder characterized by immune-mediated destruction of epidermal melanocytes. Interleukin-17 (IL-17), a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in immune responses, has been reported to be elevated in patients with vitiligo; however, its role in disease pathogenesis remains uncertain. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the association between serum IL-17 levels and vitiligo.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship between serum IL-17 levels and vitiligo.

METHODS

Following institutional ethical approval, this pilot cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka. The study included 25 patients with stable vitiligo of any clinical type, diagnosed clinically and confirmed by Wood's lamp examination, and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Disease severity was assessed using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI), and serum IL-17 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Age and sex distribution did not differ significantly between the vitiligo patients and the control group (P > 0.05). However, serum IL-17 levels were notably higher in vitiligo patients than in healthy controls, at 41.3 ± 35.9 pg/mL versus 17.34 ± 13.8 pg/mL (P = 0.003). There was a strong positive correlation between IL-17 levels and disease severity, as measured by the VASI score (Rho = 0.790, P < 0.001). However, no association was detected with factors such as age, disease duration, or age at onset. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a threshold of 10.9 pg/mL was established, showing 96% sensitivity and 70% accuracy. Higher IL-17 levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of vitiligo (OR = 18, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum IL-17 levels were notably higher in vitiligo patients, correlated with disease severity, and could serve as a sensitive diagnostic marker, with levels ≥10.9 pg/mL strongly associated with the condition.