Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a paracrine inhibitor of melanocytes and genetic variability due to intron 1 polymorphisms in IFNG has been reported to be associated with increased risk for several autoimmune diseases. The aim of present study was to determine whether intron 1 +874A/T (rs2430561) and CA microsatellite (rs3138557) polymorphisms in IFNG are associated with generalized vitiligo (GV) susceptibility and expression of IFNG and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) affects the disease onset and progression. Here we report that IFNG CA microsatellite but not +874A/T may be a genetic risk factor for GV; however, +874T allele plays a crucial role in increased expression of IFNG mRNA and protein levels which could affect the onset and progression of the disease. Active GV patients showed increased IFNG levels compared to stable GV patients. The genotype-phenotype analysis revealed that IFNG expression levels were higher in patients with +874 TT genotypes and 12 CA repeats. Patients with the early age of onset showed higher IFNG expression and female GV patients showed higher IFNG and ICAM1 expression implicating gender biasness and involvement of IFN-γ in early onset of the disease. Moreover, the increased IFN-γ levels in patients lead to increased ICAM1 expression, which could be a probable link between cytokines and T-cell involvement in pathogenesis of GV.

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Vitiligo is common acquired pigmentary disorder affecting skin of 1% of the world population, India 3% to 8% incidences approximately. Treatment is tough challenge. The combination treatments have proven beneficial due to different mechanisms. There is need to find drug targeting different mechanisms of action. Test medicine is decapeptide derived from basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) treating vitiligo. The current study was to compare efficacy and safety of BFGF related decapeptide solution plus Tacrolimus 0.1% (M + T) Ointment versus Tacrolimus monotherapy 0.1% (T) Ointment in patients with stable vitiligo. The randomized, open label, comparative, prospective, multicentre study in patients with stable vitiligo was conducted. The primary endpoint was improvement in extent of repigmentation in target lesion after 12 months of treatment from baseline. The secondary endpoints were extent of repigmentation at end of 6 months, patient global assessment (PGA) and safety at end of 6 months. This shows interim analysis results. Total 94 patients were randomized to M + T (n = 40) and T (n = 44), 10 patients were lost to follow up. Extent of repigmentation (>50%) was significantly greater at end of 8 weeks in M + T group 22.5% (p ≤ .05) while 6.8% in T group. In grade of repigmentation, significant difference (p ≤ .05) was observed, M + T had better grade. PGA was significantly greater (p ≤ .05) in M + T‐group than T. All these parameters showed significant improvement in M + T‐group than group T at end of 6 months. No adverse events were reported during the study. It is an interim analysis report so complete data is not available for analysis. Addition of bFGF related decapeptide solution to Tacrolimus gave better results than Tacrolimus alone therapy. It also has a favorable safety profile and was well tolerated.