Study of liver X receptor-alpha gene polymorphism (rs2279238) in a sample of Egyptian vitiligo patients

Abstract

Background Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder that results from selective destruction of skin melanocytes. It is characterized clinically by the development of depigmented macules and patches. More than 150 genes have been identified to affect the pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes. Liver X receptor-α (LXR-α) expression is upregulated in the melanocytes of the perilesional skin as compared with the normal skin of vitiligo patients suggesting its possible contribution in vitiligo pathogenesis. Objective To study LXR-α gene polymorphism (rs2279238) in a sample of Egyptian vitiligo patients. Patients and methods This case–control study was conducted on 25 vitiligo patients aged from 12 to 50 years compared with 25 age- and sex-matched controls. LXR-α gene polymorphism (rs2279238) (C>T) detection was done by allelic discrimination using fluorogenic 5’ Nuclease assay. Results LXR-α gene polymorphism was significantly associated with vitiligo among Egyptian patients but is not correlated with either severity or activity of vitiligo. Conclusion LXR-α gene polymorphism may be associated with vitiligo as found in a sample of Egyptian patients.