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Basic fibroblast growth factor & vitiligo

BackgroundPrevious studies have documented the role of Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in melanocyte growth, proliferation, and migration. ObjectiveThis study assessed the level of bFGF in untreated vitiligo patients in both involved and noninvolved sites and compared them with normal controls. MethodsFifteen cases of vitiligo were enrolled in this study. Skin biopsy specimens were obtained from vitiligo lesions and from normal skin 2 cm away from the vitiligo lesions. Ten healthy controls were enrolled for comparison. Skin biopsies were subjected to bFGF quantitative assessment by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay technique. ResultsLower levels of bFGF were found in vitiligo lesions than in noninvolved sites. Normal controls have a higher level of bFGF compared with the involved and the noninvolved skin of vitiligo patients. ConclusionBasic FGF deficiency could be one of the etiological factors in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.