Expression of CXCL11 & TEMRA in Serum of Vitiligo Patients Treated With Narrow-band UVB
Expression of CXCL11 & TEMRA in Serum of Vitiligo Patients Treated With Narrow-band UVB
this is a prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the immunological effects of narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy-both as monotherapy and in combination with oral mini-pulse (OMP) steroids-in non-segmental vitiligo patients. The study evaluates changes in CXCL11 (a chemokine involved in T-cell recruitment) and TEMRA (terminally differentiated effector memory T cells re-expressing CD45RA) levels in serum before and after treatment.
Design:
Randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms.
Duration: Six months (including baseline and follow-up assessments).
Setting: Outpatient dermatology clinic at Assiut University Hospital, Egypt.
Objectives:
Compare the immunomodulatory effects of NB-UVB alone vs. NB-UVB + OMP steroids in vitiligo patients.
Assess CXCL11 and TEMRA levels as potential biomarkers for disease activity and treatment response.
Evaluate clinical repigmentation using Vitiligo Extent Score (VES/VESplus).
Methodology:
40 patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo will be enrolled.
20 patients will undergo serum analysis for CXCL11 and TEMRA via ELISA.
Treatment arms:
NB-UVB monotherapy (twice weekly).
NB-UVB + OMP steroids (dexamethasone 2.5-3 mg/week).
Follow-up: Clinical and immunological assessments at baseline and 6 months.
Inclusion Criteria:
Clinically diagnosed non-segmental vitiligo (stable for ≥3 months).
Fitzpatrick skin types III-V (common in the Egyptian population).
No recent systemic therapy for vitiligo (within the last 3 months).
Exclusion Criteria:
Photosensitivity disorders (e.g., lupus, porphyria).
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Active infections, malignancies, or immunosuppressive conditions.
History of hypertrophic scarring or melanoma.