Circulating CXCL10 is increased in non-segmental vitiligo, in presence or absence of autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract

Recently the importance of CXCL10 in the pathogenesis of non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) and autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD) has been shown. No data are present about chemokines CXCL10 (Th1 prototype) and CCL2 (Th2 prototype) circulating levels in NSV patients with/without thyroiditis (AT). Serum CXCL10 and CCL2 have been measured in 50 consecutive NSV patients, in 40 consecutive patients with NSV and AT (NSV+AT), in 50 sex- and age-matched controls without AT (control 1) and in 40 sex- and age-matched patients with AT without NSV (control 2). Serum CXCL10 levels were significantly higher in control 2, than in control 1 (P=0.001; ANOVA). NSV patients have serum CXCL10 levels significantly higher than control 1, or control 2 (P=0.001). NSV+AT patients have serum CXCL10 levels higher than control 1, or 2 (P<0.001), and than NSV (P=0.01). In conclusion, we first demonstrate high serum CXCL10 in NSV patients, overall in presence of AT and hypothyroidism, suggesting the importance of a common Th1 immune response in their immune-pathogenesis. To evaluate if serum CXCL10 might be used as a clinical marker of NSV and/or AT further studies are needed.

Keywords: Autoimmune thyroiditis; CCL2; CXCL10; Chemokines; Vitiligo.