Serum TWEAK: A cutoff between segmental and nonsegmental vitiligo

Experimental approaches to assess melanocytes mosaicism in segmental vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin that results in localized or disseminated white macules. One common feature of several existing classification protocols is the distribution of the disease into two main subtypes, non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) and segmental vitiligo (SV). SV is characterized by depigmentation spreading within one or more skin segments while NSV is widespread. Several clinical-epidemiological observations suggest that SV has distinct autoimmune pathophysiology compared to NSV. Furthermore, the clinical distribution pattern of SV lesions closely resembles other melanocyte mosaicism diseases. These observations led us to hypothesize that SV is caused by a localized autoimmune reaction targeting epidermal mosaicism melanocytes. Here, we proposed examples of experimental approaches to assess mosaicism in SV patients.

Evaluation of serum TWEAK, TRAIL, and oxidative stress markers in rosacea patients

BACKGROUND

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of unknown pathogenesis. TWEAK and TRAIL are two cytokines thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to examine TWEAK and TRAIL serum levels and oxidative stress markers in patients with rosacea.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Forty rosacea patients and 40 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were involved in the study. Serum TWEAK and TRAIL levels were evaluated with ELISA kits. Serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, total thiol, native thiol, disulfide levels were evaluated, and oxidative stress index was computed.

RESULTS

Serum levels of TWEAK, TRAIL, and oxidative stress markers did not differ statistically in the patients and controls. Both TWEAK and TRAIL levels in the patients were detected to be statistically higher in male than in female.

CONCLUSION

TWEAK and TRAIL may not have a systemic effect in rosacea, unlike other inflammatory diseases. More studies are needed to investigate the role of TWEAK and TRAIL in rosacea.