A study examined microRNA expression patterns as potential diagnostic indicators for vitiligo.

In the study, published in Scientific Reports, researchers from Cairo University and Fayoum University found that miR-16, miR-146a, and miR-19b were overexpressed in both serum and tissue samples of patients with vitiligo compared with healthy controls; whereas miR-720 showed reduced expression. The study examined 40 patients, equally divided between vitiligo patients and healthy matched individuals.

"Based upon the expression levels of miR-16, 146a, 19b, and 720 in both serum and tissue, these biomarkers can be used as early indicators for vitiligo," the study authors suggested.

The researchers identified correlations between these biomarkers and disease severity metrics. The data showed correlations between the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and both miR-16 and miR-146a in serum and tissue samples. The researchers also found correlations between disease extent and both miR-16 and miR-146a in serum and tissue. Pearson correlation coefficients highlighted these relationships, such as miR-16 in serum and VASI (r = 0.73, P = .002).

Serum expression levels for miR-16, miR-146a, and miR-19b in patients with vitiligo were 3.90 ± 1.81, 3.65 ± 1.30, and 3.27 ± 1.65, respectively, compared with healthy controls at 1.06 ± 0.12, 1.06 ± 0.12, and 1.065 ± 0.1288. MiR-720 showed reduced expression in patients with vitiligo at 0.43 ± 0.28 compared with controls at 0.98 ± 0.03.

Tissue-specific levels were:

• miR-16: 2.32 ± 0.73 in patients vs 1.05 ± 0.12 in controls
• miR-146a: 4.85 ± 1.857 vs 1.06 ± 0.124
• miR-19b: 5.24 ± 2.63 vs 1.05 ± 0.123
• miR-720: 0.37 ± 0.29 vs 0.97 ± 0.013.

The research team used quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for detection of the microRNAs (miRNAs), with samples obtained through blood draws and 3 mm skin biopsies from lesional regions.

The data revealed a negative correlation between miR-720 in serum and the Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score (r = −0.438, P = .05).

Analysis of gender differences showed variations in VASI scores and miR-720 serum expression levels between male and female patients (P = .042 and P = .025, respectively).

ROC curve analysis demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for these miRNAs, with an area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.90 to 0.98. This highlighted their potential role in the early detection of vitiligo.

This research examined this combination of miRNAs in both serum and tissue samples from patients with vitiligo.

The research was conducted under approval from the Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University (approval number EC-395), with all participants providing informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki 1975. The authors declared no competing interests.

The study’s small sample size (n = 20 per group) necessitated further research to validate the findings. The researchers emphasized the need for larger studies to confirm their results. The authors declared no competing interests.