SOCS gene polymorphism in vitiligo patients

Vitiligo is a chronic disease characterized by depigmented macules and patches due to melanocyte destruction. Although the etiopathogenesis is unknown, autoimmune hypothesis is suggested. The suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases play a critical role in the immune hemostasis. In this study, the association of SOCS1 rs33989964, SOCS3 rs4969168, and SOCS3 rs4969170 gene polymorphisms with vitiligo development, and clinical features were evaluated in 100 patients who were clinically diagnosed as nonsegmental vitiligo, and 100 healthy controls. TaqMan probe, and polymerase chain reaction method were used for genotyping, and IBM SPSS 23.0 program was used for statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant correlation between SOCS1 rs33989964, SOCS3 rs4969168, and SOCS3 rs4969170 polymorphisms and vitiligo. SOCS1 rs33989964 del/del genotype in progressive patients (p: 0,025); SOCS3 rs4969168 AA genotype in patients with spontaneous vitiligo, and accompanied by the Koebner's phenomenon (p:0,031, p:0,049); SOCS3 rs4969170 AA genotype in patients with poliosis (p:0,024) were statistically significant. SOCS3 rs4969168 A allele frequency in patients with familial autoimmunity (p:0,036); in patients with poliozis and leukotrichia, the SOCS3 rs4969170 A allele frequency was significantly higher (p:0,006, p:0,048). Although our findings suggest that specific gene polymorphisms may have an effect on clinical features, should be supported by large studies.