Search

Dear Editor, Nonsegmental generalized vitiligo (NSGV) is the most common and progressive clinical form of vitiligo[1] and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is the preferred and most effective treatment modality in active NSGV (aNSGV).[2] The effect of NB-UVB treatment on microRNA (miRNA) expression and its association with clinical outcome in aNSGV is unknown. miRNA are noncoding oligonucleotides that are known to regulate various biological processes and are implicated in a variety of diseases.[3] Limited studies are available regarding the role of miRNA in vitiligo pathogenesis, but the precise mechanism of action is unknown.[4] This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRNA (peripheral blood, serum, lesional and nonlesional skin) and pigmentation-associated genes (lesional vs. nonlesional) in untreated aNSGV and NB-UVB-treated aNSGV (tNSGV). GLO:F03/01jul20:bjd18890-fig-0001.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): microRNA (miRNA) expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of (a) active nonsegmental generalized vitiligo (aNSGV) (n = 26) and healthy controls (n = 20); (b) aNSGV(n = 26) and narrowband ultraviolet-B-treated aNSGV (tNSGV) (n = 21); (c) lesional and nonlesional skin in aNSGV (n = 26) and tNSGV (n = 21); and (d) miRNA expression levels of skin pigmentation-associated genes in lesional and nonlesional skin in aNSGV (n = 8), tNSGV (n = 8) and healthy controls (n = 6). The present study indicated that NB-UVB-induced repigmentation may occur by modulation of miRNA expression and enhanced expression of pigmentation-associated genes at a molecular level in aNSGV. [Extracted from the article]