Serum Interleukin 17 and Interleukin 33 in Vitiligo Egyptian Patients

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmented disorder characterized by milky-white macules in the skin. Interleukin-17 has important role in autoimmune diseases development like vitiligo. Interleukin-33 is released after tissue damage or cell death. It may reflect recent disease activity. Aim: To measure serum levels of IL17 and IL-33 in vitiligo patients and to assess their relationship with disease activity. Methods: Levels of IL17 and IL-33 in serum samples taken from 21 healthy normal subjects and 21 vitiligo patients were measured by ELISA. All the patients were subjected to careful history taking , general examination and local examination to assess extent ,activity of vitiligo and VASI score. Results: IL17 and IL-33 serum levels were highly statistically significant increase in patients with vitiligo than the normal control subjects(p≤0.001). Their levels were related to disease activity and the extent of the disease. Interleukin 17 serum levels were positively correlated with IL-33 serum levels. Conclusion: Increased serum levels of IL-17 and IL-33 in vitiligo patients and their levels were related to disease activity and the extent of the disease indicating that IL-17 and IL-33 may play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.