Serum Neurotensin Levels in Vitiligo Patients: A Comparative Study with Correlation to Disease Activity and Severity. A Case-Control Study.

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic depigmentary disorder with autoimmune and neurogenic mechanisms. Neurotensin, a neuropeptide with immunomodulatory properties, has been implicated in inflammatory skin conditions, but its role in vitiligo remains unclear. Objectives: To compare serum neurotensin levels in active and stable vitiligo patients versus healthy controls, and to evaluate their correlation with disease activity (VIDA score) and extent (VASI score). Methods: A case-control study was conducted including 40 vitiligo patients (20 active, 20 stable) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum neurotensin was measured using ELISA. Disease activity and extent were assessed with VIDA and VASI scores, respectively. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman rank correlation tests. Results: The median serum neurotensin levels were 20.40 ng/ml (range 7.35-74.00) in active patients, 14.55 ng/ml (range 6.10-30.00) with stable patients and 11.20 ng/ml (range 6.40-18.30) with controls. Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that there was a statistically significant overall difference between the three groups (H=16.506, p<0.001). Serum neurotensin showed a modest but statistically significant positive correlation with VIDA score (rs = 0.333, p = 0.036), but no significant correlation with VASI score (p = 0.190). Conclusions: Serum neurotensin is elevated in vitiligo, particularly in active disease, supporting a potential role for neurogenic mechanisms in melanocyte destruction. Its association with disease activity suggests its potential utility as a biomarker of vitiligo activity.