Does Cadherin-1 gene polymorphism entail a risk of developing vitiligo? a case-control study

Background Vitiligo is a chronic depigmenting disorder with multiple aetiopathogenic theories. Weak expression of epithelial cadherin protein has been implicated as an aggravating factor in the selective loss of melanocytes in affected skin areas. Yet, little information is known about the role of the cadherin gene as a susceptible gene to vitiligo. Aims We assessed the association between genetic polymorphism of the Cadherin (CDH1)-encoding gene and the risk of developing vitiligo in Egyptians. Methods Venous blood samples were obtained from 25 vitiligo patients and 25 healthy controls. Total DNA extraction was performed followed by a single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assay of CDH1C/T (rs10431924) gene using real-time PCR. Vitiligo patients were clinically evaluated. Results An insignificant association between the CDH1 (rs10431924) genotypes or allele distribution, and the risk of developing vitiligo was observed after comparing patients and controls. Conclusion In contrast to the previous studies, we did not detect the CDH1 (rs10431924) gene polymorphism as a risk factor for acquiring vitiligo.