Role of janus kinase 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired autoimmune skin disorder. The often-visible lesions of vitiligo have a major impact on patients’ quality of life and the results of the treatment regimens on offer are unsatisfactory, so there is a need for new therapeutic regimens. Recent advances in vitiligo pathogenesis have led to recognition of the importance of the JAK–STAT pathway as an attractive therapeutic option. Purpose: To evaluate role of JAK1 and STAT3 in vitiligo. Methods: This prospective case–control study was carried out on 35 patients presenting with vitiligo and 20 apparently healthy age-and sex-matched volunteers. Skin biopsies from controls and cases were taken for histopathological and immunohistochemical JAK1 and STAT3 evaluation. Results: Epidermal and dermal overexpression of STAT3 was noted in lesional skin compared to the other groups (P=0.02 and P<0.001, respectively). There was a positive correlation between dermal expression of JAK1 and dermal expression of STAT3 (r=0.52, P=0.004). Conclusion: In conjunction, JAK1 and STAT3 might be involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. This could open the gate for the use of JAK1 and STAT3 inhibitors as new targeted therapy for vitiligo.