Is Vitamin D a participant in narrow-band ultraviolet B-induced pigmentation in patients with vitiligo?

Abstract

Background Because of its safety and efficacy, narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy has found importance in vitiligo treatment. NBUVB may promote pigmentation in vitiligo through provoked vitamin D synthesis. However, little is known about this issue. Objective To estimate the serum levels of vitamin D in patients with vitiligo before and after NBUVB therapy and to correlate its posttreatment serum levels with repigmentation. Patients and methods Fifty patients with different degrees of vitiligo severity along with 25 age-matched, sex-matched, and skin phenotype-matched controls were enrolled in this study. Patients with vitiligo were treated with NBUVB thrice weekly for 12 weeks. Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels (compared with controls) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Vitiligo Area and Severity Index were estimated and then reevaluated after NBUVB sessions. Results Baseline 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in vitiligo cases than controls. After 12 weeks of NBUVB therapy, a significant clinical improvement and increase in 25(OH)D concentrations were recorded; however, insignificant correlation between both was observed. Conclusion Low vitamin D level may play an active role in vitiligo development. Furthermore, vitamin D may participate partially in photo-induced melanogenesis. Therefore, the mechanism of NBUVB-induced pigmentation in vitiligo needs to be clarified. � 2018 Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society.