Exploring the Relationship between Vitiligo and Male Fertility: A Comparative Study

Abstract Background Vitiligo is a chronic, acquired dyschromia that promotes autoimmune aggression against melanocytes. It causes hypochromic or achromic macules and patches on the skin and mucous membranes, with potential involvement of hair follicles in various extensions of the skin and may be accompanied by systemic manifestations and multisystem affection. Aim of the Work to explore the possible relation between vitiligo and male reproductive health and fertility status. This evaluation was conducted on a hormonal and seminal background. Patients and Methods This comparative cross-sectional study included 60 patients (30 with vitiligo & 30 healthy age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls). They were recruited from the dermatology & andrology out-patient clinics of Ain Shams University Hospitals, during the period from March 2023 till July 2023. The study was approved by Research Ethical Committee of Ain Shams University (FMASU M S 667/2023) and fulfilled all the ethical aspects required for human research. Results There was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding LH and total testosterone while there was statistically significant increase found in estrogen in vitiligo cases with p-value = 0.001 and decrease in FSH in vitiligo cases with p- value = <0.001. There was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding semen concentration, total motility, and normal morphology with p-value = 0.581, 0.270 and 0.065 respectively, while there was statistically significant increase found in progressive motility in control group with p-value = 0.006. Conclusion The evaluation of seminal fluid analysis and hormone profiles among vitiligo patients showed minor variability. However, it was evident that the levels of sex hormones and seminal parameters were different in patients with vitiligo compared to healthy controls. Serum estradiol levels were significantly increased among vitiligo patients relative to control patients, on the contrary to FSH levels which showed significant decrease among vitiligo cases. while serum total testosterone and LH showed no significant changes. There was statistically significant difference in sperm progressive motility between cases & controls with higher percentage of progressive(A+B) motility among controls. The sperm morphology & count were not different between patients & controls.