Background. There is accumulating evidence that aberrant T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cell responses play critical roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, their importance in the pathobiology of vitiligo have yet to be elucidated. Aim. To evaluate the expression profile of two transcription factors, namely, T-bet, a Th1-specific T box transcription factor and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3), a Th2-specific transcription factor, and to measure expression levels of interferon (IFN)-c and interleukin (IL)-4 mRNAs as the signature cytokines of Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively. Methods. Gene expression analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Results. In patients with vitiligo compared with controls, mRNA expression was significantly higher for T-bet and IFN-c, and significantly lower for GATA-3 and IL4 mRNAs (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. These data suggest additional implications for the role of Th1/Th2 balance in the immunopathogenesis of vitiligo.
