Objective: Vitiligo is a complex autoimmune condition characterized by the progressive destruction of melanocytes, resulting in patches of skin depigmentation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional cytokine, has been linked to the development of various autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo. This study aims to investigate the association between the -572G/C polymorphism in the IL-6 gene and susceptibility to vitiligo.
Materials and Methods: The study included 50 vitiligo patients and 50 healthy controls. Genetic analysis was conducted using DNA extracted from blood samples, followed by genotyping through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques.
Results: The GG genotype was associated with a 2.53-fold increased risk of vitiligo (p=0.04, odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 2.53 [1.03-6.23]), whereas the CG genotype significantly reduced this risk (p=0.04, OR [95% CI] = 0.39 [0.16-0.97]). A significant difference in allele frequencies was observed, with the G allele increasing the risk of vitiligo (p=0.03, OR [95% CI] = 2.39 [1.06-5.38]) and the C allele demonstrating a protective effect (p=0.03, OR [95% CI] = 0.42 [0.19-0.94]).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the GG genotype and G allele of the IL-6 -572G/C polymorphism are associated with an increased risk of vitiligo in the Turkish population, underscoring a potential role for IL-6 in the pathogenesis of the disease.