Analysis of autoantibody levels in 132 vitiligo patients

Objective To identify the role of autoimmune in the pathogenesis of vitiligo by measurement of the serum autoantibody levels in 132 patients with vitiligo. Methods Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TGab), antinuclear antibody (ANA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured in 132 vitiligo patients using electrochemiluminescence analysis, indirect immunofluorescence, and latex agglutination. The positive rates of serum autoantibody were statistically compared between the vitiligo group and the control group. Results The positive rates of TPOAb, TGAb, and RF in vitiligo patients were significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0. 05), but there was no significant difference in ANA between the vitiligo patients and the healthy volunteers (P＞0.05). Conclusion Some of the autoantibodies in vitiligo patients exceeded the normal level. In view of the vital role of autoimmune in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, measurement of autoantibody levels in vitiligo patients may contribute to the prediction of autoimmune diseases.